Port Stephens shines bright at 2024 NSW Tourism Awards Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - December 4, 2024 The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Photo: Destination NSW. FOUR exceptional local tourism operators were celebrated at the prestigious 2024 NSW Tourism Awards, held at The Star Sydney on Thursday, 28 November. This annual event, hosted by the NSW Tourism Association, honours excellence in the state’s tourism industry. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The NSW Tourism Awards recognise businesses and operators delivering world-class visitor experiences, showcasing the passion, innovation, and resilience driving NSW’s tourism sector. The awards also serve as the gateway for NSW businesses to compete nationally at the Australian Tourism Awards, set to take place in Adelaide, SA early 2025. Moonshadow TQC Cruises took out a Silver in the Major Tour & Transport Operator category, while Aquamarine Adventures was a finalist in the Tour & Transport Operator category. 4WD Tours R Us won two Silver awards, in the Major Tourist Attraction and Tour & Transport Operator categories, and the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary won Silver in the Tourism Attraction category. “We are absolutely thrilled to see our local operators recognised on such a prestigious stage,” said Jo Thomas, CEO of Destination Port Stephens. “Port Stephens is more than a destination; it’s a community of passionate and innovative tourism professionals dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences. “These accolades reflect the hard work, creativity, and commitment to sustainability that make our region truly special.” Council’s Director of Community Futures, Steve Peart, attended the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. “It’s an honour to accept this award on behalf of our beloved Port Stephens Koalas,” Mr Peart said. “This prestigious award recognises the relentless dedication of our passionate Koala Sanctuary staff to conservation and preservation efforts”, he added. The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a partnership between Port Stephens Council, the NSW Government, and a local volunteer care group known as Port Stephens Koala Hospital. The Sanctuary’s focus is on conservation and protecting the threatened species so that future generations can enjoy witnessing koalas in the wild.
