NSW businesses recognised at 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

Eight NSW businesses were recognised across nine categories at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards - including Balloon Aloft Australia, which took home double Gold.

The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, now in their 40th year, celebrate excellence across the industry, with finalists from every state and territory competing for top honours. The awards were announced at a gala event at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday, 21st March.

The NSW North Coast performed well despite the impact of Cyclone Alfred, with the region securing five awards. The Tweed Tourism Company claimed Gold, Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Love Lord Howe received Silver, while Port Macquarie Museum and Potager earned Bronze.

The silver award for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is an extraordinary achievement for the Rail Trail, which has fast become a must-visit destination since opening its first section between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek in March 2023.  

NRRT Regional Lead, Dean Cooper said the national recognition is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved in bringing the Rail Trail to life.

The Rail Trail has transformed the region’s historic rail corridor, providing a world-class experience that benefits both locals and visitors while injecting new energy into Northern Rivers communities, boosting local economies and creating regional jobs.

Other NSW businesses celebrated on the night included Sierra Escape, which won Gold, and Mt Hay Retreat, which received Silver.

Hosted by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, the awards showcase the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals across the visitor economy, with 24 operators from Bathurst to Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga to Sydney, and Batemans Bay to Byron Bay among the nominees.

The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are a benchmark of excellence, recognising those who demonstrate innovation, commitment, and leadership in delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

The NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy review has set an ambitious target of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035.

Acting Destination NSW Chief Executive Karen Jones noted “the success of NSW businesses at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards reflects the outstanding passion, professionalism and commitment of our tourism operators. Their dedication to world-class customer service is what makes NSW a leading destination for visitors from around the world.

“Creating fresh and immersive visitor experiences is central to positioning NSW as a premier global destination. By leveraging our state’s diverse natural and cultural assets, we can build a stronger, more resilient visitor economy that delivers benefits for businesses, communities and visitors alike.”

NSW FINALISTS IN 2024 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS

• Major Tourist Attractions: Symbio Wildlife Park

• Tourist Attractions: Northern Rivers Rail Trail

• Major Festivals & Events: Bluesfest Byron Bay

• Festivals & Events: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash

• Ecotourism: Kestrel Nest EcoHut at Highfield Farm & Woodland

• Cultural Tourism: Port Macquarie Museum

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences: Bundyi Cultural Tours

• Tourism Retail, Hire & Services: Ask Roz Blue Mountains

• Visitor Information Services: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre

• Major Tour & Transport Operators: Captain Cook Cruises - Sydney

• Tour & Transport Operators: Blue Mountains Day Tours

• Adventure Tourism: Balloon Aloft Australia

• Tourism Marketing & Campaigns: The Tweed Tourism Company

• Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services: Potager

• Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries: Cupitt’s Estate

• Caravan & Holiday Parks: Holiday Haven Lake Conjola

• Hosted Accommodation: Black Sheep Inn

• Unique Accommodation: Sierra Escape

• Self-Contained Accommodation: Cedars Mount View

• 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation: Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort

• 5 Star Luxury Accommodation: Mt Hay Retreat

• New Tourism Business: Beneath The Bay

• Excellence in Food Tourism: Love Lord Howe

• Excellence in Accessible Tourism: Balloon Aloft Australia 

For a full list of award winners visit www.ausleisure.com.au/news/40-years-of-excellence-celebrated-at-2024-qantas-australian-tourism-awards/

Image top. Balloon Aloft Australia secured double Gold.Credit: Visit NSW; Image below. Tweed Tourism Company claimed Silver for Northern Rivers Rail Trail