Eight NSW businesses have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the state’s visitor economy, at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks was awarded a GOLD in the category for Caravan & Holiday Parks

The full list of NSW National Award winners:

Gold
NSW - 17. Caravan & Holiday Parks - Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks

Silver
NSW - 16. Toursim Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries - Heifer Station Wines Pty Ltd
NSW - 19. Unique Accommodation - Sierra Escape

Bronze
NSW - 01. Major Tourist Attractions - Taronga Western Plains Zoo
NSW - 14. Tourism Marketing & Campaigns - Mudgee Regional Tourism
NSW - 02. Tourism Attractions - Oakvale Wildlife Park
NSW - 20. Self Contained Accommodation - Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga
NSW - 22. 4-4.5 Star Accommodation - The BYng Street Boutique Hotel

“This is great recognition for those businesses, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements tonight,” said Simon Spellicy, President, NSW Tourism Industry Council. 

“NSW leads the way in the road to recovery of the national visitor economy and after the disruption caused by lockdowns, international border closure and domestic travel restrictions to have many acknowledge at tonight’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is a reflection of the work done by the thousands of tourism operators across the state,” Mr Spellicy said. 

“What’s also great to see is the geographical spread of the winning businesses, with each area of NSW facing their own unique challenges in the past 24 months.

“NSW leads the way in the road to recovery of the national visitor economy and after the disruption caused by lockdowns, international border closure and domestic travel restrictions to have many acknowledge at tonight’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is a reflection of the work done by the thousands of tourism operators across the state.” 

“We know that as an industry, tourism is often the first hit by natural disasters such as floods, droughts, bushfires and the recent covid pandemic have ravaged the state and made things particularly difficult to be in business – that’s why diversification of tourism offerings is so vital. 

“With the recent opening of our borders to international flights, the flow of visiting friends and relative reconnecting with families, returning international students and working holiday makers starting to land in Australia we are starting to see the stepping-stones of recovery. 

“And now with the pending re-commencement of cruising from our world class city of Sydney we will again see an increase of visitors and foot traffic back into our CBD and The Rocks precinct bringing support to the deep supply chain of goods and services that make up the visitor economy.

“All of these key activities will provide a much-needed boost to the accommodation sector, transport operators, retailers, arts and culture, food and beverage suppliers, restaurants and cafes which all contribute to the visitor economy eco-system.

“I would encourage other businesses to enter the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards later this year, which is the only way to qualify for the national tourism awards which will be held in NSW in early 2023,” Mr Spellicy said. 

About NSW Tourism Industry Council

Powered by Business NSW, the NSW Tourism Industry Council helps businesses operating in the Visitor Economy maximise their potential to ensure New South Wales remains Australia’s number one tourism destination.

Media enquiries: Greg Binskin - 0412 280 154