Entries now open for Inland NSW Tourism Awards

The “Best of Country” NSW tourism operators were yesterday encouraged to seek recognition for their businesses by entering the CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards 2006. 

The Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, Sandra Nori, launched the awards and called for entries in Sydney yesterday. 

Ms Nori said tourism operators in New England North West, Outback NSW, Central NSW and the Riverina were eligible to enter. 

“The Inland NSW Tourism Awards allow us to acknowledge the importance of the tourism industry to regional NSW,” Ms Nori said. 

“It is estimated that last year there were more than 9.8 million visitors to these regions who spent around $2.2 billion, highlighting the importance of the tourism industry to these economies,” she said. 

The Inland NSW Tourism Awards have been running since 2004 and help to encourage regional tourism businesses to set benchmarks for quality. It is hoped that many of the entrants will go on to enter the NSW Tourism Awards this year.

“Tourism plays a vital role in the growth of regional NSW and these awards provide an opportunity celebrate the business excellence, commitment to customer service and innovation that continues to make this industry a success,” she said.

The 2006 Awards process will culminate in an industry gala dinner and presentation in Wagga Wagga on Sunday, July 30. The event will have a country fair theme and feature local produce to highlight food and wine tourism. Judging will take place in June and July. 

Ms Nori said tourism operators in New England North West, Outback NSW, Central NSW and the Riverina were eligible to enter. 

Regional tourism operators can enter into Award categories such as Tourist Attractions, Festivals and Events, New Tourism Development and a range of Accommodation categories. 

The sponsors of this year’s awards are CountyLink, Country Energy, AusIndustry, McGuiggan Wines and Tourism NSW.

“By entering the regional awards operators have the chance to be recognised by their peers in the region and will find it easier to enter the NSW Tourism Awards. 

“The Inland NSW Tourism Awards are just the start of the calendar of regional NSW tourism awards, culminating in the State awards later in the year. 

“Every week I hear about the wonderful, hard-working tourism operators in this State and I think it’s important to acknowledge their great contribution to our culture and economy,” Ms Nori said.

Application forms and further information is available on www.inlandtourismawards.com.au. Applications close Friday, June 2.

Greg McLeod, General Manager, CountryLink, Daryl Grant, Regional General Manager Central Western, Country Energy, Sandra Nori, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation and Councillor Ted Wilson, Chairman, Organising Committee, Inland NSW Tourism Awards.