Gold medal winners in limelight at Tasmanian Tourism Awards

A spotlight has shone on Tasmania's outstanding tourism industry at the annual Tasmanian Tourism Awards gala.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Tourism Awards were a chance for the industry to celebrate and recognise innovation, excellence, quality and sustainability in tourism.

“Tasmania’s unique and authentic products and experiences were on show at the gala, which drew together operators from all corners of the state,” Minister Howlett said.

“Congratulations to the 90 finalists and the well done to the winners in 30 categories representing the diversity of opportunities for visitors to Tasmania.

"This year we've seen the best of the best representing tourist attractions, ecotourism and adventure, restaurants, accommodation, wineries and distilleries, festivals and events and many more.

“The high standard of winners demonstrates the value of our world-class tourism offering and the benchmark for industry best practice.

“I extend my congratulations to Sofia Tsamassiros of Eudaimonia Tasmanian Cycling Tours who received the Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever Award who has turned a love for cycling into a tourism venture.

"The entry of three more Tasmanian businesses into the Tasmanian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame – Grain of the Silos, The Dragonfly Inn and The Truffle Farm – show their outstanding success in their fields.

“Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sector is one of our biggest success stories.

“The Tasmanian Government is delivering for Tasmania by working together with the sector to enhance and grow our visitor economy.”

Full list of Gold Winners:

• Chair of Judges’ Award for Positive Impact Tourism – Party in the Paddock
• Tasmanian Tourism Champion – Séverine Demanet and Rodney Dunn
• Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever Award – Sofia Tsamassiros
• People’s Choice Award – Australian Wooden Boat Festival
• New Tourism Product Award – Cape Raoul Cruises (Pennicott Wilderness Journeys)
• Gustav Weindorfer Award for Best New Tourism Business – Evry Drive
• Local Government Award for Excellence in Tourism – West Tamar Council
• Major Tour and Transport Operators Award – Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
• Major Tourist Attractions Award – Port Arthur Historic Site
• Visitor Information Services Award – Smithton Visitor Information Centre
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience Award – wukalina Walk
• Excellence in Accessible Tourism Award – The Cove Tasmania
• Tourism Wineries Award – Holm Oak Vineyards
• Tourism Distilleries and Breweries Award – Killara Distillery
• Tourist Attractions Award – Kuuma Nature Sauna
• Major Festivals and Events Award – Australian Wooden Boat Festival
• Festivals and Events Award – Bicheno Beams
• Ecotourism Award – Aquila Eco Retreat
• Cultural Tourism Award – Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
• Tourism Retail, Hire and Services Award – Younique Stays
• Business Event Venues Award – Peppers Silo Hotel
• Tour and Transport Operators Award – eGuide
• Adventure Tourism Award – Blue Derby Pods Ride
• Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services Award – Grain of the Silos
• Caravan and Holiday Parks Award – BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
• Hosted Accommodation – The Dragonfly Inn
• Unique Accommodation Award – Aquila Eco Retreat
• Self Contained Accommodation – Red Rock Hut, King Island
• 3 – 3.5 Star Accommodation Award – Freycinet Resort
• 4 – 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation Award – Peppers Silo Hotel
• 5 Star Luxury Accommodation Award – The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart
• Excellence in Food Tourism Award – The Truffle Farm