From the vibrant streets of Sydney to the picturesque landscapes of Byron Bay, the best in New South Wales tourism was celebrated at the 2024 NSW Tourism Awards.
Held last night at The Star Sydney, the gala event honoured the achievements of tourism operators, attractions, and experiences that contribute to NSW’s thriving visitor economy.
Recognising Excellence in Tourism
The awards recognised businesses and organisations with gold, silver, and bronze accolades across various categories, showcasing their commitment to delivering world-class experiences. Winners from this year’s awards will now represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards, with the NSW Tourism Awards being the only pathway to qualify for the national competition.
NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward praised the winners and finalists, saying: “The benchmark for this year’s awards was incredibly high. These accolades highlight the strength, diversity, and passion of NSW’s tourism industry, from immersive ocean adventures to unique country events.”
2024 NSW Tourism Award Highlights
Among the standout winners were:
- 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation: Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort, Orange (Gold)
- 5 Star Luxury Accommodation: Mt Hay Retreat, Berry (Gold)
- Adventure Tourism: Balloon Aloft (Gold), with operations spanning Hunter Valley to Byron Bay
- Cultural Tourism: Port Macquarie Museum (Gold)
- Festivals & Events: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (Gold)
- Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries: Cupitt’s Estate, Ulladulla (Gold)
The Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award was presented to Lyndel Gray, CEO of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW, recognising her 37 years of service to the tourism sector, including spearheading major initiatives like Oprah Winfrey’s Sydney visit.
Hall of Fame and Special Recognitions
The Hall of Fame accolade celebrated Potager and Balloon Aloft Australia for winning their respective categories three years in a row (2022–2024). Additionally, the Tourism Stars Judges’ Choice Awards were presented to Bathurst Winter Festival, Tom’s Outdoors, and Destination Sydney Surrounds South – South Coast Centre of Excellence for their innovative approaches and resilience.
Supporting NSW Tourism Growth
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham commended the winners, highlighting the pivotal role of the tourism sector in driving the state’s economic growth. “Tourism in NSW is set for incredible growth over the next decade, and these awards celebrate the people and organisations delivering exceptional visitor experiences,” he said.
