Industry celebrated at 2018 NSW Tourism Awards

Outstanding tourism businesses from across New South Wales were honoured last night as the winners of the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards were announced at the Big Top Luna Park, Sydney.

Managed by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber, the state’s peak business organisation, and proudly supported by the NSW Government, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence in NSW.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall congratulated the winners and said they exemplify the high standard and diverse range of tourism experiences on offer in NSW. 

“Tourism is big business and it’s a vital industry to our State’s economy so to be recognised at the NSW Tourism Awards is an outstanding achievement and I thank all of the winners for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to offering the very best tourism and events experiences,” Minister Marshall said.
 
“The NSW Visitor Economy is the envy of every other State, with the greatest share of domestic and international visitors, visitor nights and expenditure, and an impressive calendar of major events across Sydney and rural and regional NSW.” 

The Awards ceremony commenced with the presentation by the Minister of the NSW tourism industry’s highest accolade, the award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to NSW, presented posthumously to Dean Gorddard in recognition of his extraordinary personal and professional contribution to tourism in this state.  

Seventy-one award winners were announced in a range of categories including Major Tourist Attractions, Festivals and Events, Destination Marketing and Accommodation. With 125 finalists in 2018, each winner was selected by an independent judging panel for their exceptional contribution to the NSW Tourism Industry. 

Four winners were inducted into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Parkes Shire Council – 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival, Sand Dune Adventures, Lets Go Surfing Australia and Cupitt’s Winery and Brewery who took out top honours in their respective categories for the third year in a row. 

NSW Business Chamber Chief Executive, Stephen Cartwright, congratulated this year’s winners for their outstanding performance. 

“This year’s winners and finalists should be incredibly proud to be acknowledged as the leading tourism businesses in NSW. NSW has a diverse range of tourism businesses, which is reflected in the entrants and winners in the Awards program.” 

“This year has seen a 21% increase in entrants from 2017 and the judges were impressed by the high standard of entries showcasing a diverse array of talent, passion and innovative drive that continues to ensure our state’s tourism industry thrives.  Good luck to all winners continuing on to the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards in March 2019,”  Cartwright said.
 
2018 Gold Winners

    
Major Tourist Attractions
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney 
   
Tourist Attractions
Forestry Corporation of NSW Sealy Lookout, Orara East State Forest 
   
Major Festivals and Events
Splendour in the Grass 

Festivals and Events
2018 Parkes Elvis Festival (pictured top)

Ecotourism
Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay 

  
Cultural Tourism
Nundle Woollen Mill 
   
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Sand Dune Adventures,Sydney 

Specialised Tourism Services
Ask Roz    

Visitor Information and Services
Yass Valley Council - Yass Valley Information Centre 
   
Business Event Venue
Elements of Byron    

Major Tour and Transport Operators
Moonshadow - TQC Cruises    

Tour and Transport Operators
Port Stephens 4WD Tours  
 
Adventure Tourism
Lets Go Surfing Australia    

Destination Marketing
Shoalhaven Tourism- 100 Beach Challenge Campaign  

 
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
Margan Winery & Restaurant    

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries
Cupitt's Winery and Brewery 
   
Caravan and Holiday Parks
BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry 
   
Hosted Accommodation
Eldee Station    

Unique Accommodation
Sierra Escape Mudgee
    
Self Contained Accommodation
Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga    

Standard Accommodation
Lodge Outback Motel    

Deluxe Accommodation
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel  
 
Luxury Accommodation
Elements of Byron    

New Tourism Business
Blue Ginger Picnics  
 
Excellence in Food Tourism
Cupitt's Winery, Brewery, Fromagerie and Kitchen  
 
*Outstanding Contribution by an Individual 
Dean Gorddard (posthumous award)    

*Tourism Education and Training
TEACH at TAFE NSW Wollongbar  
 
*Does not progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards