Twenty seven leading tourism businesses, events, and visitor experiences have been announced as finalists in the North Coast’s only industry-backed tourism awards, the 2019 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.

Regional Tourism Awards Chair, Jane Barnes, announced the final contenders last week and include tourism businesses, events, marketing organisations and accommodation providers among an impressive cohort.

“This year’s finalists showcase the best of the region’s tourism industry and some amazing individuals and operators. Each of these finalists is now in the running to be named a winner in 14 award categories at our gala awards ceremony on August 1 in South West Rocks”, said Ms. Barnes.

Michael Thurston, General Manager of Destination North Coast, says the Regional Tourism Awards are an invaluable opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate business excellence across the sector. “We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our finalists, as they take their first steps on the way to possible State and National recognition. All our tourism finalists have contributed to the North Coast’s growing reputation as a premier destination in NSW, and I would like to congratulate everyone who took the time to enter.”

Winners of the Regional Tourism Awards gain finalist status upon entering the NSW State Tourism Awards, and if successful, go onto the National Tourism Awards.

Destination North Coast will host the North Coast Tourism Symposium, a networking and business development event for the region’s tourism and event organisers. Held on Thursday August 1, the day-long event includes experts across a range of areas such as business sustainability and evolving your business to meet changing consumer needs with the aim of stimulating ideas and discussion to benefit the North Coast visitor economy.

There are two Destination North Coast finalists in the Clarence Valley; Clarence Valley Council and Grafton Jacaranda Festival Inc.