Tourism's big night of nights!

094/11

Tonight I congratulated the winners of the 26th Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Awards at a gala dinner ceremony held at the National Gallery of Australia.

These annual awards celebrate the great diversity of tourist experiences that the Canberra region has to offer and an industry that turns over $1.5 billion and employs more than 13,000 Canberrans each year.

The ACT Labor Government recognises just how important this industry is to the ACT and is committed to supporting organisations and businesses planning tourism events that bring significantly more visitors to the ACT.

The winners of these awards will represent the ACT at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2011 in Cairns in March 2012. Award winners are:

• Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre - Tourist Attractions category
• Floriade 2010 - Imagination: Where will yours take you? - Major Festivals and Events category
• National Folk Festival - Festivals and Events category
• Boggy Creek Shows - Heritage and Cultural Tourism category
• Kosciuszko National Park Aboriginal Discovery Program - Indigenous Tourism category
• Australian Institute of Sport - Specialised Tourism Services category
• Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre - Visitor Information and Services category
• National Convention Centre Canberra - Meetings and Business Tourism category
• Grandma's Little Bakery - Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category
• Lerida Estate - Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries category
• Thredbo YHA - Backpacker Accommodation category
• Novotel Canberra - Deluxe Accommodation category
• Hyatt Hotel Canberra - A Park Hyatt Hotel - Luxury Accommodation category
• Thredbo Valley Distillery - Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism category
• Royal Australian Mint Education Program - Tourism Education Program category
• Alexandria Avent - Young Achiever Award category
• Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre, Novotel Canberra, National Gallery of Australia - Visitor Experience Award category
• Robyn Hendry, CEO, Canberra Convention Bureau - Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

Industry events like the Tourism Awards are not possible without support from local and national businesses. I would like to thank the sponsors of the event who ensure the tourism awards are a success.

I’m pleased the ACT Labor Government has again been able to show its firm commitment to ACT tourism by providing funding and helping to administer the process for tonight’s awards.

For more information on the 2011 Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Awards visit www.canberratourismawards.com.