Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said these Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to publicly showcase the quality products and experiences that are continuously delivered across NSW each year.

“It was an honour to be at this year’s NSW Tourism Awards and congratulate the individuals and businesses from one of the country’s most important industries on their outstanding accomplishments over the last year,” Mr Ayres said.

“In the year ended June 2015, the tourism industry contributed $23.6 billion in international and domestic overnight visitor expenditure to the NSW economy.

“These phenomenal figures demonstrate the significance of recognising the thousands of individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure NSW remains the number one tourism and events State.”

The 2015 NSW Tourism Awards are made up of 29 categories including a range of tourism areas such as major tourist attractions, ecotourism, destination marketing, accommodation, tourism education and training.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said Destination NSW is proud to support the NSW Tourism Awards.

“The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate not only the winners but the finalists from across the State which is a major achievement in itself,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Awards such as these provide a valuable platform to help businesses consistently strive for excellence in their respective fields and last night was a wonderful testament to the diversity and strength of the NSW tourism industry.”

2015 WINNERS

Major Tourist Attractions
Taronga Zoo

Tourist Attractions
Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Major Festivals and Events
Byron Bay Bluesfest

Festivals and Events
Boggabri Drovers Campfire

Ecotourism
Tri State Safaris

Cultural Tourism
QStation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Arakwal Dolphin Dreaming Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Specialised Tourism Services
Flash Camp

Visitor Information Services
Dubbo Visitor Information Centre

Business Event Venue
Chateau Elan at The Vintage

Major Tour and Transport Operators
AAT Kings New South Wales

Tour and Transport Operators
Oz Whale Watching: Sydney Princess Cruises

Adventure Tourism
TreeTops Central Coast

Destination Marketing
UNSPOILT South Coast Marketing Campaign

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
Bent on Food

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries
Margan Wines

Caravan and Holiday Parks
BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park

Hosted Accommodation
Eldee Station

Unique Accommodation
Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Self Contained Accommodation
Lilypad Luxury Cabins

Standard Accommodation
Moama on Murray Resort

Deluxe Accommodation
The Observatory Port Macquarie

Luxury Accommodation
Chateau Elan at The Vintage

New Tourism Business
Halcyon House

Excellence in Food Tourism
Margan Wines & Restaurant

Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
The Observatory Port Macquarie

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Ron Cregan

Tourism Education and Training
Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

Backpacker Accommodation
Railway Square YHA

People’s Choice
TreeTops Central Coast

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