The 2018 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards are now open across the region.
The Regional Tourism Awards are held annually to acknowledge excellence in tourism across the state.
The Awards commenced in 2004 and are now a major tourism industry event for regional New South Wales.
“The awards are a key program on the regional tourism industry calendar and have been pivotal in supporting the development of businesses”, said Regional Tourism Awards Chair, Jane Barnes.
“Since the inception, the awards have been credited for elevating many regional tourism businesses to achieve state-wide and national acclaim”, continued Mrs Barnes.
The Regional Tourism Awards provide tourism organisations and individuals the opportunity to gain an insight into their industry, their business, achieve recognition for their success and promote tourism within their region. One of the main focus points of the awards is to develop quality regional tourism products and provide businesses the opportunity to benchmark their business with similar businesses in activity and size and also have the opportunity to identify their own personal and professional development within the tourism industry.
Entrants are made up of tourism businesses, events, marketing organisations, clubs and individuals all aiming for excellence in their industry. Winners of the Regional Tourism Awards gain finalist status upon entering the NSW State Tourism Awards, and if successful, go onto the National Tourism Awards.
The positive impact of this program flows not only into the tourism organisations who participate in the awards; it also continues to benefit regional areas through the tangible value the program offers the economy of the host destination.
Coffs Harbour has been announced as the successful host destination for the 2018 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
The event will be held on Thursday 26 July 2018. The annual awards ceremony is hailed as the ‘night of nights’ for the Regional Tourism Industry.
Phil Harman, General Manager of Destination North Coast, is encouraging all regional operators to consider entering the awards this year.
“The Regional Tourism Awards is an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate business excellence across our sector. The awards provide a wonderful professional development opportunity for operators in addition to publicity for all finalists. We look forward to Coffs Harbour hosting this year’s Awards and celebrating the achievements of the many businesses, both large and small, as they take their first steps on the way to possible State and National recognition”.
Coinciding with the launch of the Regional Tourism Awards is the launch of the NSW Tourism Awards. Managed by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber in partnership with Destination NSW, the annual NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence in NSW. The Business Chamber is the proud partner of the 2018 Regional Tourism Awards.
Submissions opened on Friday March 2 and close on Friday, May 25.
For further information: www.regionaltourismawards.com.au