Hunter Tourism winners shine through at the NSW Tourism Awards

Tourism professionals from the around NSW gathered at The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour for the prestigious 2009 NSW Tourism Awards for Excellence in Tourism last night. The awards ceremony and gala dinner celebrated the industry's leading contributors and recognised the high standards of the NSW tourism industry.

The NSW Tourism Awards recognise and celebrate the diverse range of tourism product throughout NSW and the outstanding individuals who promote and support the industry. The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success throughout the year.

Winners were announced in 33 categories with the Hunter taking home 12 awards. These outstanding results reflect the regions strong draw as a tourism destination and the professionalism and world-class nature of the Hunter's tourism products and services.

The Hunter received four Gold, one Silver and seven Bronze awards over 10 different categories.
Newcastle Airport took out the award for 'Specialised Tourism Services', a clear indication of the outstanding service they provide and the value of the airport to both the Hunter and the State.

Surprise winner The Vintry Country House and Vineyard won the award for 'Deluxe Accommodation' an award historically won by larger hotels in the State. The Vintry owner Greg Mincher was commended for his high quality yet small business contribution to the category.

The 'Major Tour and Transport Operators' award was taken out by Moonshadow Cruises for the second consecutive year who continue to offer tourists a range of harbor related activities in the Newcastle and Port Stephens areas.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle has continued their exceptional service and ability to be the most prominent 'Meetings & Business Tourism' operator in the Hunter Region by winning an award in this category for the second year running. Crowne Plaza Newcastle has also won in this category at the Hunter Awards for the past 4 years. They were also awarded a bronze award for 'Deluxe Accommodation'. Newcastle Airport, Moonshadow Cruises & Crowne Plaza Newcastle have developed since their Silver awards in 2008 to receive the Gold awards for their categories in 2009.

All of the Gold award winners now go onto become finalists in the Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Hobart on 26th February 2010. Hunter Regional Tourism Organisation CEO, Sheridan Ferrier, said "It's fantastic to see Hunter Tourism Operators being rewarded and I'm particularly pleased for the individuals behind the businesses who work so hard to make it all happen. It was especially good to see some new winners this year, as this demonstrates growth in the tourism industry," she said.

The awards ceremony sent an unambiguous message, showcasing the regions dedicated tourism professionals and highlighting the Hunter as an exceptional travel destination.

2009 Winners by Region
Hunter Valley
Somewhere Unique
Hunter Valley Gardens
Boutique Wine Tours
The Vintry Country House & Vineyard
Redsalt Restaurant
Barrington Tops
Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Resort
Newcastle
Newcastle Airport
Blackbutt Reserve
Crowne Plaza Newcastle
Port Stephens
Moonshadow Cruises
Halifax Holiday Park
Following is the profile of the Winners in 10 categories.
GOLD
Category - Specialised Tourism Services
Winner - Newcastle Airport
Newcastle Airport is committed to tourism in the Hunter, and offers an easy gateway to eight very diverse tourism regions within
an hour drive from the Airport. As a vibrant regional tourism partner, Newcastle Airport develops inbound marketing
partnerships with tourism and airlines to encourage tourism growth.
Category - Meetings and Business Tourism
Winner - Crowne Plaza, Newcastle
Crowne Plaza Newcastle is located directly on the Newcastle foreshore promenade and is an all suite hotel offering 6 meeting
rooms for up to 220 delegates, on-site audio-visual technical support, a comprehensive "Meeting Success" program and videoconferencing
capabilities.
Category - Major Tour & Transport Operators
Winner - Moonshadow Cruises
Moonshadow Cruises offer four magic ways to explore Port Stephens and Newcastle harbours with the regions number one
cruise company.
Category - Deluxe Accommodation
Winner - The Vintry Country House & Vineyard
The Vintry offers boutique, luxury, self contained accommodation for up to 8 people in the heart of Australia's Hunter Valley
Wine Country. A unique location, secluded and private, set in the foot slopes of the magnificent Brokenback Range.
SILVER
Category - Unique Accommodation
Winner - Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Resort
Riverwood Downs is located on the banks of a mountain river in the foothills of the BARRINGTON TOPS "World Heritage
Wilderness" - just 2.5 hours drive north of Sydney.

BRONZE
Category - Festivals and Events
Winner - Hunter Valley Gardens - Christmas Lights Spectacular
The Christmas Lights Spectacular at the Hunter Valley Gardens helped to spread festive cheer to thousands of locals and
visitors from far and wide this season. Over $17,500 was raised for various local charities and attendance figures tripled from
the previous year.
Category - Ecotourism
Winner - Blackbutt Reserve
Blackbutt Reserve, located within the heart of Newcastle, is a conservational, educational and recreational reserve. It includes
award winning wildlife exhibits, stunning walking trails and peaceful picnic areas. The team at Blackbutt Reserve strives towards
preserving the past, protecting the present and ensuring the future.
Category - Unique Accommodation
Winner - Somewhere Unique
Located on a 20-acre bush land property in Wollombi, Somewhere Unique offers discerning couples luxurious, romantic,
architect designed accommodation, in a peaceful and private rural environment, incorporating environmentally friendly concepts.
Category - Tour and Transport Operators
Winner - Boutique Wine Tours
Offering the Hunter Valley's most personalised day tour experience, Boutique Wine Tours depart Sydney daily for the boutique
wineries of Australia's oldest and most beautiful wine region.
Category - Tourism Restaurants & Catering
Winner - Redsalt Restaurant - Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Surrounded by the Brokenback Mountains and picturesque vineyards. Catering for up to 400 delegates with the latest in
technology meeting facilities and featuring Deluxe hotel and Villa accommodation, two restaurants and two bars, and extensive
leisure facilities; a day spa, outdoor swimming pool and spa, gym, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course and a dedicated kids club.
Category - Tourist & Caravan Parks
Winner - Halifax Holiday Park
Set in natural bush land yet surrounded by two calm water beaches Halifax Holiday Park is the ideal choice to have it all at your
fingertips. This 4 star park is just 15 minutes walk from the centre of Nelson Bay and offers a range of accommodation to suit all
budgets.
Category - Deluxe Accommodation
Winner - Crowne Plaza Newcastle
Located directly on Newcastle Harbour, Crowne Plaza Newcastle is The Place To Meet while travelling on business or for a
relaxing leisure break. Built to reflect the harbour's brilliance, settle into one of the hotel's 175 one-bedroom suites designed for
comfort; a queen bed, separate living area, dual modem connection, 2 LCD TVs and breakfast bar.