NSW’s tourism best rise to the top

Tourism businesses from across New South Wales have been recognised among the state's best, with the finalists of the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards announced today following a rigorous assessment of quality and excellence across the state's visitor economy.

More than a competition, the Awards presented by the NSW Tourism Association form part of a national program underpinned by Australia's established tourism industry framework. Entrants are required to meet recognised industry quality standards, with submissions assessed through a comprehensive judging process involving 50 judges and a consumer review score component.

Every finalist meets recognised tourism industry accreditation requirements, demonstrating capability and high benchmarks across their operations.

The Awards attracted 210 nominations, including 48 new entrants, across 30 categories spanning tourist attractions, accommodation, events, food and beverage experiences, ecotourism, tour operators and other businesses contributing to the NSW visitor economy.

The NSW Tourism Awards are part of Australia's longest-running tourism awards program, which has recognised tourism excellence nationally for more than 40 years.

NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said being named a finalist was a significant accolade because of the work, capability and commitment required to reach this stage.

"These Awards recognise more than a great tourism experience. Every finalist had to look deeply at their business and demonstrate the quality, capability and continuous improvement that sits behind the experience they deliver," Miss Godward said.

"That rigour is what gives the NSW Tourism Awards their credibility. Being named a finalist is a huge achievement in itself. It recognises not only what visitors see, but the extraordinary amount of work happening behind the scenes to build strong, sustainable and exceptional tourism businesses."

This year, the NSW Tourism Association expanded its entrant support program, introducing a new mentoring service alongside draft reviews and a series of entrant support webinars. A quarter of the entrants took advantage of the personalised mentoring, with over 50 per cent of businesses participating in the entrant support webinars that are delivered with contributions from industry experts and Awards judges.

"What we're hearing from businesses is that the value of entering extends well beyond the Awards night," Miss Godward said.

"The process helps operators step outside the day-to-day tasks and work on their business. We want entrants to come out of the Awards with greater insight into how they operate and where they can continue to improve. That ultimately strengthens tourism across NSW."

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the finalists reflected the quality of tourism experiences helping drive the state's visitor economy.

"The NSW Tourism Awards shine a light on the businesses delivering great experiences and setting the standard for tourism right across our state," Mr Kamper said.

"From major attractions and events to hotels, restaurants and tour operators, these businesses bring visitors through the doors, support local jobs and put money into communities across NSW."

"The Minns Labor Government is backing a strong and growing visitor economy, and the commitment of these operators will be critical as we work towards our $91 billion tourism target by 2035."

For eligible Gold winners, the NSW Tourism Awards are also the pathway to represent the state at the Australian Tourism Awards, where state and territory winners compete for national recognition.

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards, proudly supported by the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, will be held at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November, following Destination NSW's annual Visitor Economy Forum.

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards finalists are listed here: https://nswtourismassociation.com.au/nsw-tourism-awards 

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

Interviews are available with Natalie Godward, CEO of NSW Tourism Association.

If you would like to interview a finalist, please contact Oakley Grioli at oakley@zadroagency.com.au

The 2026 NSW Tourism Awards will be held at ICC Sydney on Monday 9 November 2026, find out more: https://nswtourismassociation.com.au/nsw-tourism-awards

Images:

Images of the finalists are available upon request.