Winners in categories 1 – 25 now go on to represent the Canberra Region at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Darwin Convention Centre on Friday 24 February 2017
Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the Awards in 2016, and good luck to those businesses heading to the NT!
Leaders of the Canberra and Region tourism industry gathered on Friday 11 November to celebrate another year of success at the annual Canberra Region Tourism Awards. Guests soaked up the breathtaking views over Canberra at the National Arboretum, while eagerly awaiting announcements of winners at the prestigious event.
Amongst the glittering line-up of winners were Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre, which won the award for the Tourist Attractions category, and the National Museum of Australia who took home the Major Festivals and Events award for their Encounters exhibition.
“Each year the Canberra region’s attractions and businesses continue to build on offering unparalleled tourism experiences and services, which is evident in the recognition of well- deserved winners in 2016,” said Craig Whelan, President of the National Capital Attractions Association.
“This is a pivotal point for Canberra’s major attractions and key businesses of the region as the city further engages broader international audiences and in doing so, heightens our reputation for tourism excellence on the international stage,” continued Mr Whelan.
One of the event’s stars was the Specialised Tourism Services winner, Canberra Airport, which is now a serious contender for the Hall of Fame at the National Awards to be held in Darwin in February. This potential win will add another feather to Canberra region’s Hall of Fame cap which currently boasts leaders in tourism excellence, the Australian War Memorial and Old Bus Depot Markets.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge won the Unique Accommodation category, and for the first time will compete at the national award level. The Royal Australian Mint collected an impressive three awards – for Cultural Tourism, Tourism Visitor Education and Visitor Experience.
Successes of 2016 also included several initiatives such as the addition of a pilot category – International Ready. The winner, Australian Sports Commission – Experience AIS, is the first to be recognised for delivering first-class international-ready tourism product in the Canberra region.
Brian Weir, Chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Awards Steering Committee commented the International Ready category has come at a critical and exciting time with international flights from Singapore and New Zealand bringing new tourism business to the city.
“We are delighted that the Canberra region is ready for such exciting, new categories which in this case acknowledge our world-class offering for international tourists,” Mr Weir said.
“Initiatives such as this and our partnership with the University of Canberra facilitating student involvement with entrants, provide opportunities to support our young, bright leaders of the future and to facilitate sector sustainability,” Mr Weir concluded.
The full list of award winners and commendations can be found on our website.
The 2016 Canberra Region Tourism Awards Gala Presentation and Dinner will be held on Friday 11 November at the National Arboretum Canberra.
The event provides an opportunity to celebrate a successful year with industry colleagues, and acknowledge the success of all winners and entrants in the 2016 Canberra Region Tourism Awards.
Buy your tickets now here… it will sell out.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2015 Canberra Region Tourism Awards.
The results were announced at a Gala Presentation event at the National Convention Centre on Thursday 10 December. Attended by 280 industry representatives, the event featured Canberra and region wine, produce, performances and comedians.
Photos from the night will soon be on the website, so keep an eye out.
View the full list of winners and commendations.
Winners in categories 1 – 26 now go on to represent the Canberra Region at the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Melbourne on Friday 5 February 2016.
Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the Awards in 2015 and for your passion and commitment to excellence over the last 12 months.
If you’re interested in entering the Awards in 2016, contact the Awards coordinator to discuss.
Canberra and the region’s finalists take home gold and silver at National Tourism Awards
Canberra and the region’s national tourism finalists last night joined over seven-hundred
Australian tourism industry key figures in Darwin for the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards,
Friday 24th February. At this premier event, the capital’s leading tourist attractions,
experiences and services were acknowledged and celebrated by their industry peers from
across the nation.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre took home the highest accolade –
gold – as the winner of the Tourist Attractions category. This has come after a string of
successes at the local level, and cements their place as one of the country’s leaders in
providing unparalleled tourism excellence.
As multi-award winners, Canberra Airport’s outstanding achievements were again recognised
in their silver award for Specialised Tourism Services.
After receiving bronze last year, the National Folk Festival 2016 made it a step higher to claim
silver in the Festivals and Events category.
Congratulations to these winners who are recognised for achieving excellence and innovation at the
highest level – and to all the national finalists who represented Canberra and the region. These were
the National Museum of Australia – Encounters exhibition, Royal Australian Mint, National
Convention Centre Canberra, 3inFun Tourism Marketing Partnership Program – Experience Canberra,
Jamala Wildlife Lodge, East Hotel, Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel, and Little National
Hotel.
“Simply being in the room with the best of the best is an outstanding achievement,” said Brian Weir,
Chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Awards Steering Committee.
The annual Canberra Region Tourism Awards showcase the best of our region’s tourism operators
and promote, encourage and reward tourism excellence. The Awards are produced in partnership by
the National Capital Attractions Association and VisitCanberra. They are made possible by the
support of local and national sponsors.
The full list of national award winners will be available on the Australian Tourism Awards website.
For more information on the National Capital Attractions Association, visit
http://www.nationalattractions.com.au/