The NSW Tourism Association has announced the finalists for the NSW Tourism Awards 2025, with over 230 nominations from across the state.
From these, 125 businesses and individuals have progressed as finalists across 30 categories, with four special awards to be presented at the Gala event in November.
This year saw a record number of first-time entrants, highlighting the growing recognition and significance of the Awards as both a celebration of excellence and a valuable tool for business development.
“We are incredibly proud to reveal this year’s finalists, representing tourism businesses and individuals from every corner of our state,” NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalia Godward said. “This year’s awards are coming off the back of a record result at the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards where nine NSW-based operators took out a podium placement.
“The NSW Tourism Awards unite our industry, strengthen our communities, and shine a light on the dedication and pride of operators who create world-class experiences.”
For the first time, the program includes finalists from the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, thanks to a new partnership providing a direct pathway and greater support.
“We are delighted about this new partnership providing greater opportunity for North Coast operators to enter the awards which is a great result,” Godward added.
All entries were rigorously assessed by a panel of 56 independent industry experts, with judges noting the increasing calibre of submissions and the commitment to sustainable business practices. The program is the only pathway for NSW operators to compete at the Australian Tourism Awards.
The NSW Tourism Awards provide entrants with extensive business support, as part of the submission process to increase the value of entering.
“We’ve had highly positive feedback from participants who say the process is extremely valuable in helping them build actionable steps to creating business success,” Godward concluded. “It’s why we continue to see new entrants embracing the program – it builds long-term capability as well as celebrating success.”
The 2025 NSW Tourism Awards finalists are recognised across the following categories:
- Tours, Attractions & Experiences
- Festivals & Events
- Accommodation
- Food & Drink Tourism
- Sustainable Tourism
- Tourism Services
- New Tourism Businesses
“Tourism is a $50 billion industry in NSW, and a major driver of jobs, growth and opportunity,” Minister for jobs and tourism Steve Kamper said.
“Our recently launched Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 targets even more flights, visitors, hotel rooms and visitor spend across the next decade — and industry leaders will be an important part of that drive.
“The finalists represent the very best of our state, setting benchmarks of excellence and demonstrating the important role tourism plays in strengthening local communities. I congratulate every finalist and thank them for their contribution in making NSW the number one visitor economy in the nation.”
Destination NSW is the major sponsor of the NSW Tourism Awards for 2025.
The full list of finalists can be viewed HERE.
