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New South Wales has emerged as a national beacon of excellence at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in a stirring triumph that underscores resilience, innovation and unwavering dedication. Held amid renewed global travel confidence and community rebuilding, the ceremony crowned eight outstanding NSW tourism operators across nine award categories—cementing the state’s position as a powerhouse in Australia’s visitor economy.

Balloon Aloft Australia soared to unprecedented heights, securing double Gold for its world-class adventure tourism experiences and excellence in accessible tourism—a commendable feat that speaks volumes about the organisation’s inclusive ethos and superior service.

Notably, the NSW North Coast, still rebuilding after the ravages of Cyclone Alfred, led the charge with five awards—offering a compelling narrative of community strength and vision. The Tweed Tourism Company took Gold for its standout marketing campaigns. At the same time, Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Love Lord Howe earned Silver for their unique offerings in tourist attractions and food tourism, respectively. The Port Macquarie Museum and Potager received Bronze, reflecting the region’s commitment to cultural preservation and farm-to-plate excellence.

The Tweed Tourism Co

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our tourism professionals. Their ability to craft memorable, authentic, and inclusive experiences is precisely what makes NSW the envy of the travel world,” said Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism.

“Thanks to their hard work and innovation, more people from across the globe are choosing NSW as their destination of choice,” Kamper continued. “The Government stands ready to continue working alongside the industry, investing in world-class experiences and empowering our providers through initiatives like the NSW First and Choose Tourism programs.”

The glittering awards night, hosted by the Australian Tourism Industry Council, served as the national stage to honour the country’s most exceptional operators across the tourism landscape—from five-star luxury accommodation to grassroots cultural tourism. A total of 24 operators from NSW were named finalists, spanning destinations as varied as Bathurst, Broken Hill, Byron Bay, Sydney, Wagga Wagga, and beyond.

Among the other standout winners for NSW were Sierra Escape, clinching Gold for its luxury eco-lodging, and Mt Hay Retreat, which earned Silver in the highly competitive 5-Star Luxury Accommodation category.

These accolades come at a pivotal time. The Minns Labor Government has unveiled an ambitious Visitor Economy Strategy, targeting $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035. Destination NSW continues to drive development through skill-building and marketing support initiatives to fuel this growth, ensuring operators remain competitive, capable, and compelling on the world stage.

Karen Jones, Acting CEO of Destination NSW, echoed this sentiment, praising the state’s operators for their passion, adaptability, and world-class service delivery.

Sierra Escape

“The success of our businesses reflects a deep commitment to innovation and immersive storytelling,” said Jones. “By highlighting our diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, NSW is not just welcoming visitors—it’s winning hearts.”

This year’s honours reaffirm NSW’s broad tourism ecosystem, where urban marvels and remote retreats find equal footing on the national stage. NSW’s entrants reflected a compelling blend of heritage, sustainability, and hospitality, from the historic exhibits at Port Macquarie Museum to the eco-conscious charm of Kestrel Nest EcoHut.

The Full Honour Roll: NSW at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

🏅 GOLD WINNERS

Balloon Aloft Australia – Adventure Tourism & Accessible Tourism
The Tweed Tourism Company – Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
Sierra Escape – Unique Accommodation

🥈 SILVER WINNERS

Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Tourist Attractions
Mt Hay Retreat – 5-Star Luxury Accommodation
Love Lord Howe – Excellence in Food Tourism

🥉 BRONZE WINNERS

Port Macquarie Museum – Cultural Tourism
Potager – Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

Additional NSW Finalists Include:

Symbio Wildlife Park – Major Tourist Attractions
Bluesfest Byron Bay – Major Festivals & Events
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash – Festivals & Events
Bundyi Cultural Tours – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Captain Cook Cruises – Major Tour & Transport Operators
Blue Mountains Day Tours – Tour & Transport Operators
Ask Roz Blue Mountains – Tourism Retail & Services
Holiday Haven Lake Conjola – Caravan & Holiday Parks
Cedars Mount View – Self-Contained Accommodation
Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort – 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation
Cupitt’s Estate – Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
Black Sheep Inn – Hosted Accommodation
Beneath The Bay – New Tourism Business

This sweeping list is a testament to excellence and a reflection of the remarkable breadth and depth of the NSW visitor experience—from Sydney’s harbourside glamour to the tranquil wilds of regional outposts.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, the recognition garnered at this year’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards affirms a bright horizon for NSW. With strategic vision, robust partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation, the state is poised not just to meet—but to exceed—its future tourism goals.

For the complete list of winners, visit the official website of the Australian Tourism Awards.