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Now in its 30th year, the annual NSW Tourism Awards have become an institution, recognising excellence in a range of tourism areas.
Of the 21 total finalists in this year's Destination Country and Outback category, Mudgee has an impressive seven finalist spots. This is the fourth year for the Mudgee region at the state level, with a Hall of Fame induction in 2018.
The Mudgee Guardian spoke with Leianne Murphy, Business Development Manager at Mudgee Region Tourism about what makes the Mudgee region so fiercely competitive.
"I think this is the largest contingent our region has had especially at this level," Leianne said.
"I think we have such sophisticated offerings as a destination and in terms of accommodation, they're definitely raised the bar,"
"The region is very fortunate that we can offer an experience that visitors are looking for. Sydneysiders who are one of our largest demographics want to go off grid, but only a bit because they still want to share it on Instagram and still want to be able to brag, that's what something like Sierra [Escape] can deliver on."
"They showcase some of the premium assets we have in the region and I think for them to be recognised at the state level is an absolute coup with all of their hard work that they do,"
"We are the most recognised in the region throughout the category, and we have everything crossed hoping we head to the gala event in Sydney where the actual winners will be announced, who then go on to the Australian Tourism Awards."
Leianne also said kudos should go to the finalists for taking the initiative to weather the submission process.
"Even going to the effort of doing a submission to enter in the awards. They definitely need to be congratulated and recognised for taking that first step and reaching that level. They really hit. the mark."
Destination Country and Outback NSW Finalists
- Bandalong Cottages - Mudgee
- Bathurst Regional Council: Bathurst Winter Festival
- Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
- Dubbo Regional Council: Dubbo + Great Western Plains Destination Marketing Campaign
- Dubbo Regional Council: Dubbo Visitor Information Centre
- Eldee Station, Silverton
- Grazing Down the Lachlan, Forbes
- Heifer Station Wines, Borenore
- Kirsten Serviced Accommodation, Mudgee & Parkes
- Manera Heights Apartments, Dubbo
- Mudgee Region Tourism: Visitor Information Services
- Mudgee Region Tourism: Water to Wine Campaign
- Old Dubbo Gaol
- Orange Visitor Information Centre
- Orange360: Extend the Weekend campaign
- Outback Astronomy, Broken Hill
- Peppertree Hill Luxury Farm Cottages, Eurunderee
- Sierra Escape, Mudgee
- The Parkview Hotel Mudgee
- Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre
- Wolgan Valley Eco Tours
The winners of the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner on November 14 in Sydney. Gold Medal winners go on to represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be held in Canberra in March 2020.
