Central Coast Council’s Marketing and Tourism team has received a Bronze Award in the Local Government Award for Tourism category at last night’s NSW Tourism Awards 2021.

Local operators Australian Reptile Park received a Silver Award in the category for Major Tourist Attraction, and Ibis Styles The Entrance received a Bronze Award in the category 4.5 Star Accommodation.

Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Natalia Cowley said being recognised in the state’s prestigious industry awards was a fantastic achievement for the Central Coast and for Council’s dedicated Marketing and Tourism team.

“I am immensely proud of our Marketing and Tourism team who, in a relatively short period of time since bringing the function in-house in July 2020, have propelled our region onto the world stage with a powerful Destination Central Coast brand that heroes locals, local products and our spectacular natural environment,” Mrs Cowley said.

“The team are continually finding new ways to support industry opportunities and grow the visitor economy. They have been particularly recognised for their work in supporting the local industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for their tourism management and visitor promotion strategies. 

“We congratulate all award winners announced last night, and also want to congratulate Sydney Oyster Farm Tours at Mooney Mooney and Young Achiever, Central Coast local Amanda Woodbine who were named finalists in the Awards.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said 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.

“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,” Mr Hart said.

“Council’s Central Coast Destination Management Plan 2022-25 was recently placed on public exhibition for community feedback and I look forward to seeing this return to Council for consideration later this month.

“I congratulate the Marketing and Tourism team at Council on their Bronze Award, and all our local operators for their passion and dedication to the Central Coast as a destination region.”

Receiving a Bronze Award 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.

A special congratulations to MidCoast Council: Destination Barrington Coast who received the Gold Award, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council who received the Silver Award in the same category – Local Government Award for Tourism.

Find out more at lovecentralcoast.com.

ENDS

EDITOR’S NOTES

A full list of NSW Tourism Award 2021 winners can be found at: www.businessnsw.com/members/nsw-tourism-awards-2021/winners-2021