Prestigious accolades for 2011 NSW Tourism Awards Winners

Winners of the Caravan & Camping Industry NSW

Tourism Industry Council NSW Chair, Ken Corbett

Minister for Tourism – George Souris
Winners of the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards
MC Mike Whitney, Jon Hutchinson and Minister George Souris
Mr Percival enthralling the crowd

From adventure pursuits such as Tri State Safaris in the outback and Sydney Harbour YHA backpacker accommodation, to Indigenous Tourism leaders Coffs Coast Aboriginal Discovery and major tourist attraction The Magic of Jenolan, NSW's most innovative and outstanding tourism businesses were recognised last night in Sydney as the winners of the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards.

Recognising 30 categories of tourism operators from NSW's exciting tourism industry, the winners were judged from hundreds of entries covering restaurant and catering services, accommodation, tourism education and training, heritage and cultural tourism, festivals and events.

Now in its 22nd year, the NSW Tourism Awards managed by Tourism Industry Council NSW supports the development of the tourism industry which contributes $28.7 billion per year to the NSW economy.

The depth of offering and professional calibre of product has strongly grown since the awards began and Ken Corbett, Chairman, Tourism Industry Council NSW, said that the range of entries symbolises that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, especially in the many small businesses that make up the industry.

"Small businesses are a vital element to the NSW tourism landscape. The value that they bring to providing employment opportunities to their regions cannot be underestimated.

"This year the winners demonstrated an enormous amount of pride in what they do; this exceptional pride in their product is exemplified in the innovative thinking and dedication to client experiences that we see all around the state," said Mr Corbett.

Jon Hutchinson, outgoing CEO of Business Events Sydney was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to Tourism and Lori Modde was recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism.

The Young Achiever award was presented to Ollie Philpot, CEO of Central Coast Tourism.

The 2011 NSW Tourism Awards were announced at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in front of 700 people. The NSW Tourism Award winners will automatically become finalists in the National Tourism Awards, to be held in Cairns in March 2012.

The Full List of Winners:


Category                                                        Winner

Adventure Tourism                                          Tri State Safaris

Backpacker Accommodation                         Sydney Harbour YHA

Deluxe Accommodation                  Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel

Ecotourism                                                    Lane Cove River Tourist Park

Festivals and Events                NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow

Heritage and Cultural Tourism                      Written in Stone

Hosted Accommodation                           Mollymook Beach Waterfront

Indigenous Tourism                          Coffs Coast Aboriginal Discovery

Luxury Accommodation                         Sheraton on the Park

Major Festivals and Events                     Bluesfest Byron Bay

Major Tour and/or Transport Operators            Moonshadow Cruises

Major Tourist Attractions                                   Taronga Zoo

Meetings and Business Tourism                   Shoal Bay Resort & Spa

New Tourism Development                              Tandara

Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism       Lori Modde

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism by an Individual          Jon Hutchison

QANTAS Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism  Lane Cove River Tourist Park

Specialised Tourism Services                      Newcastle Airport

Standard Accommodation                     Scone Motor Inn

Tour and/or Transport Operators             Tri State Safaris

Tourism Education and Training              Travel 21fiftythree

Tourism Marketing                             The Legendary Pacific Coast

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services        Margan Restaurant

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries       Wyndham Estate Winery

Tourist and Caravan Parks        BIG4 North Star Holiday Resort & Caravan Park

Tourist Attractions                             The Magic of Jenolan

Tourist Pubs                            Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel

Unique Accommodation                 Somewhere Unique – An Escape for 2 in the Hunter

Visitor Information and Services     Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre

Young Achiever in Tourism Award                 Ollie Philpot