The State's tourism operators are being encouraged to nominate for the 2012 Tasmanian Tourism Awards.

Nominations for the Awards are now open, and the Minister for Tourism, Scott Bacon, said it was an excellent opportunity for operators to showcase the world-class experiences they are providing to visitors from interstate and overseas.

 

Mr Bacon said winners of the Tasmanian Tourism Awards would go on to compete for national recognition at the next Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Hobart.

 

"Our record haul at this year's Australian Tourism Awards has reinforced the fact that we are punching well above our weight when it comes to outstanding tourism experiences," Mr Bacon said.

 

"With Hobart hosting next year's Australian Tourism Awards, it's important we have a strong field on offer ready to compete for the nation's top tourism gongs.

 

"That way, we can show that last year's result wasn't a fluke and remind the rest of the nation that Tasmania continues to have many of the nation's best tourism products."

 

Mr Bacon said the Government, through Tourism Tasmania, was continuing to support the Tasmanian Tourism Awards - with $25,000 in sponsorship, and also providing assistance to tourism operators wishing to enter.

 

"The Tasmanian Tourism Awards are an important way of recognising the achievements of our operators and the excellent work they do in showcasing our state, and I would encourage as many operators as possible to nominate," he said.