Nine NSW tourism businesses have been recognised as the best of the best at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards gala held at Sydney’s Doltone House on Darling Island Friday night.
Mudgee Region Tourism showed the nation that not only is the region beautiful, but it is the best place for food, wine, unique tourism experiences and stays as it took home the Gold prize for Visitor Information Services.
The highly coveted Gold trophy for the 5 Star Luxury Accommodation category was awarded to Mt Hay Retreat in Berry NSW.
“Mudgee Region Tourism and Mt Hay Retreat in Berry taking out Gold in two highly competitive categories continues to demonstrate to the nation that regional NSW not only has the attraction of beauty, food, accommodation and visitor experiences but they also provide international quality service and harness the power of regional collaboration and excellence to dominate in their categories.” NSW Tourism Industry Council Senior Director Paula Martin said.
Tumbarumba will be enjoying a double celebration as two of their home-grown businesses bring home national awards. Courabyra Wines won silver in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries category, and Tumbafest won Bronze for Festivals & Events.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks won Silver for Tourism Retail and Hire Services; Potager won Silver for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services; Margan Wines & Restaurant won Bronze for Excellence in Food Tourism and The Byng Street Boutique Hotel won Bronze in 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation.
“The success of tourism operators showcased at this national tourism awards reinforces that the tourism industry is finally on a path to recovery and are working hard to provide unique visitor experiences for both domestic and international visitors.” Ms Martin said
“As Australia prepares to welcome the full flow of international visitors by 2024, how the tourism sector is embracing collaboration, sustainability, technology and customer centric services to accommodate the future traveller is being recognised and encouraged now.
“After the last few years of catastrophic disruption with bushfires, floods and the pandemic, NSW tourism businesses have continued to trade but need further support. That is why the NSW Tourism Industry Council is calling on the new state government to address growth hampering areas for the sector including:
- Expanding the NSW skilled nomination visa program to at least 30,000 places to fix workforce shortages.
- Boost micro credentials in tourism and visitor economy to secure a pipeline of young workers into the industry.
- Urgently review the impact of insurance challenges.
- Lower the payroll tax rate below 5 per cent from 5.4 per cent and increase the payroll tax threshold to at least $1.3 million.
- Plan for a 24-hour economy in cities and towns and reform planning barriers.
- Boost infrastructure funding for ageing product so tourism operators can upgrade and be ready for 2024.
“The 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards is a great recognition for those businesses who are succeeding despite operating barriers, and they should be incredibly proud of their
achievements tonight.” Ms Martin said.
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