Central Coast Council’s Marketing and Tourism team have been named a finalist in the Local Government Award for Tourism category in the NSW Tourism Awards 2021.

The Destination Central Coast team have been recognised for their work in supporting local industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, for their tourism management and visitor promotion strategies, and for their creation of a new Destination Brand which heroes’ locals and local products.

Local operators Australian Reptile Park, Ibis Styles The Entrance and Sydney Oyster Farm Tours at Mooney Mooney were also named finalists in the Awards along with Central Coast local Amanda Woodbine who is in the running for the Young Achiever Award.

Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Natalia Cowley said this was a fantastic achievement for local industry and Council’s dedicated Marketing and Tourism team.

“Our region is fast becoming ‘the’ destination to visit with quality tourism products and experiences, and a strong Council team promoting our region, supporting industry opportunities and growing the visitor economy,” Mrs Cowley said.

“To be named a finalist is an honour. It is testament to our commitment in this space and support of local industry and we will continue to find opportunities for the region to be recognised and promoted as a destination of choice for visitors, driving local spend in our community which supports local businesses, local jobs, builds our economy and grows community pride in our region.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Tourism is an important pillar of the Central Coast economy and having a strong strategy for the long-term management of the sector which balances community needs and the protection of our environment is vital.

“The Central Coast tourism sector is supported by teams at Council dedicated to seeing it prosper – Teams who work alongside the community, industry and all levels of government,” Mr Hart said.

“Being a finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards adds to the region’s growing list of accolades also driven by Council and Destination Central Coast, including being the only NSW destination named in Green Destinations’ international 2021 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories list; winning ‘Most Compelling Itinerary’ in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2021; and The Entrance named a Finalist in Wotif's Aussie Town of the Year Awards 2021.

“I also congratulate our local operators Australian Reptile Park, Ibis Styles The Entrance and Sydney Oyster Farm Tours at Mooney Mooney, and Young Achiever nominee Amanda Woodbine, for also being named finalists – this is a great achievement and to be recognised at this level is something to be proud of not only for what you are doing for your businesses, but also for what you are doing for the Central Coast and our community.”

Award winners will be announced on 3 February 2022, until then Council continues to progress some big milestones including preparing the Central Coast Destination Management Plan 2022-25, which will guide the long-term viability and sustainability of the region’s visitor economy; and achieving ECO Destination Certification which will give us an internationally recognised stamp of approval and recognise the Central Coast as a world-class destination for sustainable, nature-based tourism.

Find out more at lovecentralcoast.com

ENDS

EDITOR’S NOTES

Hear from our Central Coast operators on what it means to be a finalist:

Sheridan Beaumont, Owner of Sydney Oyster Farm Tours
"It is humbling to be selected as a finalist for the NSW Tourism Awards. We are proud to help showcase the beautiful Central Coast with our new in-water oyster farm experience 'Immerse Yourself'."

 Aaron Ficyk, General Manager of Ibis Styles The Entrance

"If we were to win this award it would be a fantastic achievement. To be nominated allows us to talk about our work and our contribution to the Central Coast visitor economy, which we are all so proud of. It also highlights the customer satisfaction that can only be achieved if the team is doing an outstanding job."

 Amanda Woodbine, Marketing Manager of Australian Reptile Park

"The Australian Reptile Park is so honoured to be a finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards for Major Tourist Attraction. Not only is this an honour for our business, but for the Central Coast region. We are proud to represent the Central Coast and help to make our region known around the world as THE place to visit!"

Amanda Woodbine is also in the running for the Young Achiever Award!