The achievements of Australia's tourism industry were celebrated on Friday night as the 28th Qantas Australian Tourism Awards took place in Hobart.
The annual event, attended by more than 850 industry representatives, saw winners announced across 27 categories across all sectors of the industry.
Uluru-Kata Tutu National Park won the major tourist attraction award and the 2012 Tamworth Country Music Festival in NSW came top in the major festival and events category. The Maria Island Walk in Tasmania won in the adventure tourism category, Queensland's Emporium took the trophy for luxury accommodation and the new tourism development award went to Madame Tussauds Sydney.
The award for national outstanding contribution by an individual was presented to Tasmanian Simon Currant AM for his work, particularly in the fields of responsible and sustainable tourism.
National Tourism Alliance chairman John Hart congratulated the winners, branding them "living examples of the finest of quality tourism experiences in Australia".
Meanwhile, Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy underlined the contribution of the industry to the national economy, contributing $96 billion annually.
"The products and services offered by the operators recognised in this year's Tourism Awards are the frontline of the Australian tourism experience and are critical to delivering on our marketing promise of why there is truly nothing like Australia," he said.
Major tourist attraction – Uluru-Kata Tutu National Park, NT
Tourist attraction – Bruny Island Cruises, TAS
Major festivals and events – 2012 Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW
Festivals and events – Deny Ute Muster, NSW
Ecotourism – Bruny Island Cruises, TAS
Heritage and cultural tourism – Venture North Australia, NT
Indigenous tourism – RT Tours Australia, NT
Specialised tourism services – Northern Territory Library, NT
Visitor information and services – Frankston Visitor Information Centre, VIC
Business tourism – Hamilton Island Conferences, QLD
Major tour and/or transport operators – Yellow Water Cruises, NT
Tour and/or transport operators – Ocean Rafting, QLD
Adventure tourism – The Maria Island Walk, TAS
Tourism marketing – Rottnest Island, WA
Tourism education and training – Travel 21fiftythree, Western Sydney Institute, TAFE NSW
Tourism restaurants and catering services – Margan Restaurant, NSW
Tourism wineries, distilleries and breweries – Wyndham Estate Winery, NSW
Tourist and caravan parks – BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, QLD
Backpacker accommodation – Sydney Harbour YHA, NSW
Hosted accomodation – Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, QLD
Unique accommodation – Rocky Hills Retreat, TAS
Standard accommodation – Narnu Farm, SA
Deluxe accommodation – Emaroo Port Highes, SA
Luxury accommodation – Emporium Hotel, QLD
New tourism development – Madame Tussauds Sydney, NSW
Qantas award for excellence in sustainable tourism – Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, TAS
National outstanding contribution by an individual – Simon Currant AM, TAS
