Last night Newcastle Airport was announced the winner of the Specialised Tourism Services category at the prestigious 2010 Hunter and Central Coast Tourism Awards.

The Airport was also inducted into the Hall of Fame after winning this Award for three consecutive years.

The Airport was recognised for enhancing the visitor experience and working closely with local tourism. As the gateway to some very diverse tourism experiences - including, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Hunter Valley Wine Country and the Central Coast - Newcastle Airport was acknowledged as a vibrant regional tourism partner who develops inbound marketing partnerships with local businesses and airlines to encourage tourism growth.

Newcastle Airport CEO, Paul Hughes, said "Winning this industry judged award and being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an honour. Our industry has recognised us for the contribution we make to tourism within the Region.

"We are proud to contribute to our thriving local economy and are delighted to be the gateway to the Hunter and Port Stephens."

In addition to this Award, Newcastle Airport's Marketing Communications Coordinator, Rebecca Wilson was awarded the Young Achiever in Tourism Award for her facilitation of campaigns with Tourism NSW, Jetstar and Gold Coast Airport which saw an increase in domestic tourism visitation at a time when visitor numbers were in need of boosting.

Both Newcastle Airport and Rebecca Wilson now progresses to the State Finals to be held in Sydney in November 2010.