Excellence and achievements celebrated at 2018 Canberra Tourism Awards

Popular national institutions, accommodation hotels, tourist attractions and major events were honoured at the 2018 Canberra Region Tourism Awards on Friday night (23 November).

Embracing a Masquerade theme, the annual gala event attracted more than 300 industry leaders and supporters who celebrated excellence in Canberra’s growing tourism industry at the newly-refurbished Hotel Realm ballroom.

Hosted by the National Capital Attractions Association (NCAA) and supported by VisitCanberra, the awards night featured around 20 categories to applaud the best of the Canberra region’s successful tourism businesses, individuals and institutions.

Major winners were the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) which claimed the award for Major Tourist Attraction and Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre won the Tourist Attraction category after winning the prize in 2017.

Proudly accepting the Award, Questacon’s Director Professor Graham Durant said it was a great honour to receive the accolade for many years of hard work.

“Thirty years ago Questacon was opened as Australia’s national technology and science centre,” Professor Durant said. “So it’s fantastic to get this award from this industry on this special occasion – it’s been a great 30 years and we’re really looking forward to the next 30 years. We’ve got some very exciting plans ahead.”

During his acceptance speech, Professor Durant also presented Chief Minister Andrew Barr with a special glass snow dome to help him ease the “stress of being Chief Minister” which received rapturous applause from the audience.

Several hotels were also applauded including Hyatt Hotel Canberra which won the Luxury Accommodation award.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra Director of Food & Beverage Nitin Kumar said the award recognised the major improvements for the hotel in recent months.

“We have done a lot of improvements as well as focused on local food and wines which has been welcomed by guests,” he told Region Media.

“We have a real focus on Canberra – as well as on sustainability and implementing a special new waste system.”

Other major awards were won by the Royal Australian Mint including the Cultural Tourism and Visitor Experience awards.

Local tourism leaders were also recognised including Stephen Byron, Managing Director of the Canberra International Airport, who won the award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

The popular awards event – which included several guest performances including renowned opera singers the 3 Tenoz and featured a range of local wines and beverages – is open to all tourism businesses and suppliers to the tourism industry and demonstrate the value of tourism to Canberra and the region.

“These are very exciting times for the Canberra region tourism industry as we work towards achieving the target of growing the value of the visitor economy to $2.5 billion by 2020,” said Mr Barr, who presented the prestigious Major Tourist Attraction award to the NGA.

All of the local winners have the opportunity to represent the ACT region at the 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Launceston next March.

“We know the fabulous pride, determination and commitment held by our tourism industry in Canberra, and we wish all winners the very best when they compete at the Australian Tourism Awards,” said NCAA President Dr Naomi Dale.

2018 Canberra Region Tourism Awards – WINNERS

1. Major Tourist Attractions – National Gallery of Australia
2. Tourist Attractions – Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre
3. Cultural Tourism – Royal Australian Mint
4. Specialised Tourism Services – Experience AIS
5. Visitor Information Services – Canberra and Region Visitors Centre
6. Destination Marketing – Destination Southern Highlands – Pie Time
7. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Broadbean Catering and Events
8. Unique Accommodation – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
9. Standard Accommodation – Leumeah Lodge
10. Deluxe Accommodation – Little National Hotel
11. Luxury Accommodation – Hyatt Hotel Canberra
12. Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Stephen Byron, Canberra Airport
13. Markus Gibson-Huck Young Achiever Award – Cassie Dunchue, Visit Canberra
14. Visitor Experience Award – Royal Australian Mint.

Commendations

1. Major Festivals and Events – Summernats
2. Festivals and Events – Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival
3. Specialised Tourism Services – Canberra Centre
4. Tour and Transport Operators – Dave’s Travel and Events Group
5. Markus Gibson-Huck Young Achiever Award – Gabrielle Dinn, Broadbean Catering and Events.