The NSW Tourism Awards, is the pinnacle awards program for the New South Wales visitor economy.
The awards, presented by NSW Tourism Association, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry, and forms part of the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards.
Open to all tourism businesses within New South Wales, categories range for tourist attractions, tour and transport, festivals and events, food, wine, accommodation and more.
Winners of the Awards are announced at a Gala Ceremony in November.
Entrant Support Program
Join the Entrant Support Program to maximise your success
If you're considering entering the NSW Tourism Awards, the Entrant Support Program delivered by the NSW Tourism Association is an invaluable resource. With passionate, knowledgeable support from our team and judging experts, you'll receive guidance that keeps you focused, confident and on track.
The interactive weekly webinars, draft review service and new for 2026 the NSW Tourism Awards Mentoring Program, provides personalised feedback making the process far less daunting, especially for newcomers. This program isn’t just helpful—it’s a major advantage and a clear pathway to success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give your entry the best possible chance.
"The NSW Tourism Association’s Entrant Support Program is a game-changer. The team’s guidance, personalised feedback and interactive webinars made the entire process feel clear, supported and far less daunting. If you’re entering the awards, this program is one of the most valuable tools you can use to set yourself up for success.” Annalyse, Northern Rivers Rail Trail
New for 2026, the NSW Tourism Awards Mentoring Program!
This service provides access to one-on-one guidance from experienced judges and industry professionals, giving entrants practical support and expert feedback at every stage of the process.
Open to all entrants, the program is especially valuable for Tourism Stars award recipients, New Tourism Business entrants, first-time applicants, and Australian Tourism Awards finalists. It’s an ideal way to build a solid foundation and better understand what goes into creating an award-winning submission.
What’s included:
- A one-on-one online planning session to help kickstart your submission
- A detailed draft review with tailored feedback
- A follow-up consultation to refine and strengthen your entry
Investment:
- $250 +GST per entry
- $187.50 +GST for NSW Tourism Association members
Message from Awards Chair - Ron Beeldman
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
"Welcome to the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards Program.
The Awards provide an excellent opportunity to benchmark your business and highlight your achievements of excellence in all aspects of your operations.
The Awards offer you an opportunity to reflect on your business, with questions designed to highlight your strategies, accomplishments, and l
"Welcome to the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards Program.
The Awards provide an excellent opportunity to benchmark your business and highlight your achievements of excellence in all aspects of your operations.
The Awards offer you an opportunity to reflect on your business, with questions designed to highlight your strategies, accomplishments, and lessons you've learned along the way.
With a panel of three highly skilled and experienced judges, you also receive feedback after the Awards to support continuous improvement. Entrants can join our support program, to be guided by experienced mentors and our judging team, through our online workshops.
The NSW visitor economy is leading the country with the largest share of visitors, nights and expenditure, and now is the most advantageous time to document how your business contributes to making NSW the premier destination for all visitors.
On behalf of my fellow judges, we look forward to experiencing and celebrating your success through your participation in this very worthwhile program."
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
"The NSW Tourism Awards have been synonymous with industry development opportunities while also recognising excellence in the industry.” The Hon. Stuart Ayres, Chair of the NSW Tourism Association, has highlighted the significant role of the NSW Tourism Awards in advancing the industry.
I can’t emphasise enough, the awards are a crucial
"The NSW Tourism Awards have been synonymous with industry development opportunities while also recognising excellence in the industry.” The Hon. Stuart Ayres, Chair of the NSW Tourism Association, has highlighted the significant role of the NSW Tourism Awards in advancing the industry.
I can’t emphasise enough, the awards are a crucial platform for receiving valuable feedback and innovative ideas to businesses. These awards not only judge businesses against their peers, thereby fostering a quality-driven environment, but also celebrate and recognise excellence in the tourism sector. This awards process enables leading NSW businesses to be acknowledged on the national stage at the Australian Tourism Awards, underlining their contribution to the industry and promoting their excellence in tourism. "
Australian Tourism Awards Program
Message from NSW Tourism Association Chair - Stuart Ayres
Australian Tourism Awards Program
Winners of the Awards will be announced at a Gala Ceremony held later in the year.
The Gold winners in categories 1-26 will advance to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards and compete against finalists from each State and Territory.
Partners & Sponsors
2025 NSW Tourism Awards Highlights
2025 NSW Tourism Awards: Celebrating Pride, Strength, Community & Passion
Relive the magic of the 2025 NSW Tourism Gala Night! A celebration of pride, strength, community, and passion, showcasing the heart of our industry.
How's Business?
The March Quarter Business Survey is now open. This is your chance to make sure NSW tourism is seen, heard and supported at a national level.
It takes just 5 minutes, is completely confidential, and helps shape the funding, policy and advocacy decisions that affect your business. It would be especially helpful to hear from you around the current fuel situation, other impacts caused by the situation in the Middle East and Great Western Highway closure at Mount Victoria.