Support Port's Tourism at State Awards - 19 November 2009
Friday, 6 November 2009
Five tourism businesses from Port Macquarie will compete at the NSW Tourism Awards on 19 November in Sydney, the state's most prestigious tourism accolades. For the first time this year Port's locals can also get involved and support their favourite experience by voting in the 'people's choice award'.
The finalists beat off stiff competition from other businesses across NSW to be nominated - there were 141 finalists in 30 categories, chosen from a massive field of 240 entrants.
The categories and Port's finalists are:
- Eco Tourism - The Koala Hospital
- Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services - The Corner Restaurant & Café
- Tourism Marketing - Greater Port Macquarie Tourism
- Hosted Accommodation - Telegraph Retreat
- Deluxe Accommodation - Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment and The Observatory
- Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism - The Observatory
"The industry has worked especially hard to compete in tough economic times to attract the 640,000 visitors to our region in the past year. These Awards are fantastic recognition for this work, and are a chance to celebrate our achievements," Linda Hall, Tourism Manager at Greater Port Macquarie Tourism.
"An exciting result for The Koala Hospital, Macquarie Waters and The Corner Restaurant & Café, this is the first time they have entered and been nominated for the Awards." Linda added.
Greater Port Macquarie Tourism is a finalist in its category for Tourism Marketing with the new 'Come out of your Shell' branding and innovative marketing campaigns to support it.
The 'people's choice award' can be voted for by anyone and applies to accommodation, tours, attractions and restaurants. Check out the Sunday Telegraph newspaper and go to http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au. As an incentive to vote there is $18,000 worth of prizes up for grabs including a local prize at Telegraph Retreat accommodation valued at $560.
The nomination process to enter the Awards involves a 30-page written submission, many hours of work, and site inspections in some cases.
Winners of the 2009 NSW Tourism Awards will be announced at the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on Thursday 19 November to be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. Representatives from these businesses will be travelling to Sydney to attend.
