New……..ten weeks into the job……….NSW Tourism Minister Jodi McKay was the host at last night’s NSW tourism awards, a glittering and excellently organised event at Sydney’s Star City, Jodi seeming to breathe new life into the State’s tourism industry.
Celebrating tourism excellent in businesses across the state, seven hundred or so of the good and the great of the tourism industry heard Jodi congratulating tourism operators and promising that she would dedicate her time to strengthen the industry and increase competition by implementing fresh initiatives.
Larry Emdur was MC and John McKernan, Chairman of the 2008 Judging Panel announced a new format with awards in three categories, the winner getting Gold with Silver and Bronze awards replacing what was formerly Distinction.
The Wendy O’Donohue Young Achiever in Tourism Award and San Fiszman Prize was won by Nora McWilliam in recognition for her dedication and commitment to her work in the Hunter Valley.
And the winners are: –
Major Tourist Attraction – BridgeClimb
Tourist Attractions – Pet Porpoise Pool
Major Festivals and Events – Sydney Royal Easter Show
Festivals and Events – CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival
Ecotourism – Montague Island Tours
Heritage and Cultural Tourism – Temora Aviation Museum
Indigenous Tourism – Booderee National Park
Specialised Tourism Services – two eight two eight
Visitor Information and Services – Clarence River Tourism
Meetings and Business Tourism – Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Resort
Major Tour and/or Transport Operators – AAT Kings Sydney Sightseeing
Tour and/or Transport Operators – Boutique Wine Tours
Adventure Tourism – EastSail Corporate Incentive Events & Adventure Sailing
Tourism Marketing – TakeABreak.com.au
Tourism Education and Training – Travel 2153, Western Sydney Institute, TAFE NSW
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services – breeze Restaurant & Bar
Tourism Wineries – Bimbadgen Estate
Tourist and Caravan Parks – Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Backpacker Accommodation – Sydney Central YHA
Hosted Accommodation Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages & Spa Retreat
Unique Accommodation – EastSail Overnight Indulgence/Overnight Opulence
Standard Accommodation – The Old Vic Inn Historic Guesthouse
Deluxe Accommodation – Shoal Bay Resort and Spa
Luxury Accommodation – Tower Lodge
New Tourism Development – Greater Blue Mountains Drive
Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism – Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – John Thorpe
Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism by an Individual – Julie-Anne Wuttke
A Report by The Mole
