The Central Coast has brought home three silver awards from the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards, with winners announced at Sydney’s Luna Park on November 17.
Taking home silver were The Australian Reptile Park in the Major Tourist Attractions category, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort Central Coast (Caravan and Holiday Parks) and Central Coast Council (Local Government).
More than 450 industry representatives gathered for the first time in three years to celebrate the state’s outstanding tourism businesses.
The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council powered by Business NSW and supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
“The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate those tourism experiences that inspire visitors to #feelnewsouthwales and recognise those businesses (which) exemplify quality tourism,” Business NSW Senior Director Regions and Visitor Economy, Paula Martin, said.
“These businesses provide leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services.
“These are businesses (which) advance and promote the tourism industry through consistent customer service and quality experiences to all.”
Martin said Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures was also commended.
“They should all be very proud of this recognition of their business excellence, particularly after the ravages of COVID, floods and all off the back of the devastating Black Summer Bushfires,” she said.
Reptile Park Director Liz Gabriel said it was “amazing” to be recognised for the hard work and effort put in by staff.
“We love our animals and staff more than anything and to be recognised at the NSW Tourism Awards is truly humbling,” she said.
“At the Australian Reptile Park, we provide excellence in wildlife tourism and conservation and we’ve done that for the past 60 years.
“We’ve come back stronger than ever after COVID lockdowns and we’re so proud to share our passion for animals with our wonderful visitors – both locally and from around the world.”
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort’s silver award follows it being named Holiday Park of the Year with more than 100 sites by the NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) and the Land Lease Living Industry Association at their 2022 Excellence Awards just the week before.
Resort Manager Jeanette Collett said after a challenging but ultimately rewarding couple of years, it was thrilling to receive silver in the awards.
“It’s really a reflection of all the hard work and dedication from everyone on our team, who have banded together to make every guest’s experience at the park an unforgettable one,” she said.
“Who knew 2022 would end up with a double award win for us at NRMA Ocean Beach?
“There’s nothing like finishing the year on a high, and there’ll be lots more in store for next year.”
Council’s silver award is the second consecutive win for its Marketing and Tourism team in the Local Government Award for Tourism category, with Council taking out bronze in that same category at the 2021 Awards.
Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the successful win acknowledges some major milestone achievements this year for Council’s in-house team.
“In 2022 we have achieved Australian ECO Destination Certification as well as (being named) Outstanding Region in this year’s delicious.Harvey Norman Produce Awards and (achieving) global Top 100 List status two years running,” she said.
“The silver Local Government Award for Tourism celebrates the outstanding innovation and resilience of our region’s tourism industry, and the progressive steps Council is taking to continually develop and strengthen the Central Coast’s visitor economy.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said these latest wins in the NSW Tourism Awards add to the Central Coast’s growing list of accolades.
“Silver Award status highlights the important role Council’s staff play in driving the region’s visitor economy, tourism industry capability and positive reputation forward, and their commitment and collaboration throughout 2021 and 2022 to achieve state level recognition,” Hart said.
“As we come to the end of 2022, all of us at Council are looking forward to continuing to deliver the best tourism services and experiences to our community and visitors alike in 2023 – including going for Gold at next year’s industry awards.”
Terry Collins