Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism member businesses received a record three gold gongs at Friday night’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (Friday, February 7).
Life’s An Adventure took home the Adventure Tourism award (also bronze for Tour and/or Transport Operator), Jenolan Caves the Heritage & Cultural (for Written in Stone) and Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School the Tourism Education & Training).
The Fairmont Resort MGallery received two silver awards (Business Tourism and Deluxe Accommodation) and Spa Sublime was listed as a finalist for the first time.
Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism chairman Randall Walker congratulated all five BMLOT member businesses, which represented an unprecedented eight finalist categories.
"Our region was unmistakably high profile among the nation’s absolute best tourism businesses.
"What a privilege it is for businesses of this region to be acknowledged so highly by their peers.
"Well done to all tourism operators across the region that ooze product and service quality 365 days a year.’’
Winners were announced at a gala industry night at Luna Park Sydney.
The Australian Tourism Awards are an annual celebration of the highest achievements of Australian tourism businesses. Winners were announced from 28 categories covering the many sectors and experiences of Australia’s diverse tourism industry.
National Tourism Alliance chairman John Hart 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 represent the finest tourism businesses in Australia."
Tourism Industry Council NSW executive officer Andrew Jefferies also congratulated winners and finalists.
"Once again, NSW tourism operators were recognised as leading the nation and most award winners are members of the Tourism Industry Council NSW.
"Our members received either a gold, silver or bronze award across 17 of the national categories, an exceptional result that underlines the value and strength of the NSW Tourism Awards program and the benefits of council membership.
"I congratulate all of our finalists and in particular, our gold winners for the hard work and effort that delivers tourism industry excellence."