New South Wales has outshone the other states at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, scoring 11 wins out of 27 categories.
The 27th annual event acknowledges the best travel companies around the nation including tour operators, adventure trips and accommodation.
Winners for NSW included Jenolan Caves with two awards for best tourist attraction and heritage and cultural tourism, Tri State Safaris for tour/transport operators and Newcastle Airport for specialised tourism services.
Queensland won just a single award for Fantasea Adventure Cruising as the top major tour operator.
This was in stark contrast to last year’s wins in seven categories in a what was lauded as a sign of the state’s resilience after the floods and Cyclone Yasi.
Tasmania dominated in the luxury stakes, with the Saffire-Freycinet winning best luxury accommodation and the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel for deluxe accommodation.
Other winners include the Melbourne Museum as best major tourist attraction and Maria Island Walk for the adventure tourism category.
The award for excellence in sustainable tourism went to Lane Cove River Tourist Park (NSW) – its second consecutive win.
National Tourism Alliance Chairman Col Hughes congratulated all finalists and winners.
“We recognise and applaud the many businesses who continue to demonstrate excellence in servicing the needs and exceeding the expectations of both domestic and international visitors – you are living examples of the finest of quality tourism experiences in Australia,” he said.
Award winners
Major Tourist Attractions: Melbourne Museum
Tourist Attractions: The Magic of Jenolan
Major Festivals and Events: Floriade 2010
Festivals and Events: NSW Caravan, Camping, RV and Holiday Supershow
Ecotourism: Moonraker Dolphin Swims
Heritage and Cultural Tourism: Jenolan Caves – Written in Stone
Indigenous Tourism: Coffs Coast Aboriginal Discovery
Specialised Tourism Services: Newcastle Airport
Visitor Information and Services: Bendigo Visitor Centre
Meetings and Business Tourism: National Convention Centre
Major Tour and/or Transport Operators: Fantasea Adventure Cruising
Tour and/or Transport Operators: Tri State Safaris
Adventure Tourism: The Maria Island Walk
Tourism Marketing: Tour Tasmania
Tourism Education and Training: Travel 2153
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services: Jacob’s Restaurant @ Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries: Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre
Tourist and Caravan Parks: BIG4 North Star Holiday Resort & Caravan Park
Backpacker Accommodation: Sydney Harbour YHA
Hosted Accommodation: Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage
Unique Accommodation: Eco Beach Broome
Standard Accommodation: Scone Motor Inn
Deluxe Accommodation: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
Luxury Accommodation: Saffire-Freycinet
New Tourism Development: MONA
Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism: Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual (National): Grant Hunt
