Awards to recognise best of regional tourism

Echuca Moama Tourism has hosted the launch of the 2016 Regional Tourism Awards.

The Regional Tourism Awards (previously Inland Tourism Awards) are held annually to acknowledge excellence in tourism in the four regional tourism areas of Central, Inland, Murray and Riverina.

The Awards commenced in 2004 and are now a major tourism industry event for regional New South Wales and Victoria.

Commenting on their value, Regional Tourism Awards Chair, Jane Barnes explained "the awards are a key program on the regional tourism industry calendar and have been pivotal in supporting the development of businesses.

“Since the inception, the awards have been credited for elevating many regional tourism businesses to achieve state-wide and national acclaim.”

The Regional Tourism Awards provide tourism organisations and individuals the opportunity to gain an insight into their industry, their business, achieve recognition for their success and promote tourism within their region. One of the main focus points of the awards is to develop quality regional tourism products and provide businesses the opportunity to benchmark their business with similar businesses in activity and size and also have the opportunity to identify their own personal and professional development within the tourism industry.

Entrants are made up of tourism businesses, events, marketing organisations, clubs and individuals all aiming for excellence in their industry. Winners of the Regional Tourism Awards gain finalists status upon entering the NSW State Tourism Awards, and if successful, go onto the National Tourism Awards.

The 2016 Regional Tourism Awards Launch will be held onboard the PS Pevensey. 

Tourism operators, sponsors and host destination delegates will attend the Launch. The award’s process will officially open and entrants will have 10 weeks to complete and upload their submission online.

The positive impact of this program flows not only into the tourism organisations who participate in the awards; it also continues to benefit regional areas through the tangible value the program offers the economy of the host destination.

Echuca Moama Regional Tourism Chief Executive Tom Smith said hosting the awards created a wonderful opportunity to showcase Echuca Moama to our partner regions.

Smith commented “the Regional Tourism Awards Launch and Gala Dinner is an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate business excellence across our sector. We look forward to hosting this year’s Awards and celebrating the achievements of the many businesses, both large and small, as they take their first steps on the way to possible State and National recognition”.

The Awards culminate in a Gala Dinner where over 200 people, including finalists, supporters, sponsors and guests attend. In 2016, the dinner is being held at the Moama Bowling Club on Saturday 23rd July.

Submissions and close on Friday, 27th May 2016.

For more information go to www.regionaltourismawards.com.au

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