Bathurst Shines at the NSW Tourism Awards
Published on 29 November 2024
Bathurst had a record-breaking night at the prestigious 2024 NSW Tourism Awards.
Bathurst Regional Council won Gold in two categories at the gala event held at The Star, Sydney, on Thursday 28 November.
The NSW Tourism Awards is the peak annual tourism industry event, recognising the best tourism and hospitality operators from all over NSW. In attendance were 123 finalists from over 200 nominations, competing over 30 categories.
The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre (BVIC) took out the Gold Award in the category of ‘Visitor Information Services,’ beating other category finalists Albury, Central Coast, Cowra, MidCoast Council and Narrabri. This is the second consecutive year that BVIC has received the top award. Bathurst Regional Council also took out the top honour in the ‘Local Government Award for Tourism’, over fellow finalists City of Newcastle and Dubbo Regional Council.
The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail received a Bronze Award in the ‘Festivals and Events’ category, along with the Bathurst Winter Festival being awarded the coveted Tourism Star Judges Choice Award in the final category of the evening. Drawing thousands of visitors each year and showcasing the very best of our region The Winter Festival is undeniably synonymous with Bathurst, and the Judges Choice Award affirms it as the beacon of community pride that it is.
Local tourism businesses also shone on the night, with Wilga Station claiming the Silver Award in the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category, and Hipscotch taking home the Bronze Award in the category of ‘Service to Tourism Industry’, completing a record haul for the Bathurst Region.
Bathurst Mayor, Cr Robert Taylor, remarked that these awards are a tremendous achievement and serve as wonderful recognition for the consistent hard work and commitment of Council and our greater city.
“Tourism is a strong focus for Bathurst Regional Council with the sector contributing over $400 million annually to the local economy.
“The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre really is the heart of tourism for the region and the team there are passionate about what they do, ensuring the best experience for all who visit as well as working every day to keep our visitors coming, and staying for longer.
“A great experience begins with great people, and Council is fortunate to have such a dedicated team across all its services.
“To win the Local Government Award for Tourism is a reflection on Council’s commitment to excellence across all areas, encompassing everything from events, our museums, cultural facilities and visitor information services, to our much-loved parks and of course our acclaimed Bathurst Winter Festival.
“Receiving the Judges Choice Award for the Winter Festival is a testament to our dedicated Events team and a terrific accolade for all at Council” he said.
BVIC will now go on as the NSW Winner to compete as a finalist at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Adelaide on 21 March 2025.
“It is an outstanding achievement to receive this recognition at such a high level, and to have Bathurst continue to compete on the national stage is extremely exciting,” said Mayor Cr Taylor.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer