The Central Coast is once again being recognised as a leading New South Wales destination, with the exciting announcement that Central Coast Council – Destination Central Coast taking home Silver in the 2022 NSW Tourism Awards held on 17 November at Luna Park, Sydney.

This highly respected Silver Award is the second consecutive win for Council’s Marketing and Tourism team in the Local Government Award for Tourism category, with Council taking out Bronze in that same category in the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the successful win acknowledges some major milestone achievements this year for Council’s in-house team.

“In 2022 we have achieved Australian ECO Destination Certification as well as Outstanding Region in this year's delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards, and global Top 100 List status two years running.

“The Silver Local Government Award for Tourism celebrates the outstanding innovation and resilience of our region's tourism industry, and the progressive steps Council is taking to continually develop and strengthen the Central Coast’s visitor economy.”

Presented by NSW Tourism Industry Council and powered by Business NSW, the annual NSW Tourism Awards recognises businesses who exemplify quality tourism, with excellence, leadership and innovation awarded across 25 categories.

Other local Central Coast tourism operators were also successful in their respective categories including the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby and NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort at Umina both winning a Silver Award at the ceremony.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures also won the Ground Swell 2022 Commendation Award presented by Take 3 for the Sea, for their significant contributions to visitor litter reduction and environmental stewardship.

“Council congratulates these local businesses for their exceptional commitment to delivering visitors and guests a high-quality tourism experience, and as a result achieving this level of recognition.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said these latest wins in the NSW Tourism Awards add to the Central Coast’s growing list of accolades.

“Silver Award status highlights the important role Council's staff play in driving the region's visitor economy, tourism industry capability and positive reputation forward, and their commitment and collaboration throughout 2021 and 2022 to achieve state level recognition.

“As we come to the end of 2022, all of us at Council are looking forward to continuing to deliver the best tourism services and experiences to our community and visitors alike in 2023 – including going for Gold at next year’s industry awards!”

Mr Hart added that with Council proudly taking home the Silver Local Government Award for Tourism 2022, this now adds to the previous finalist and awards achieved in just two years of rebranding the destination, including:

• NSW Tourism Awards 2021 Bronze Winner, Local Government Award for Tourism
• Green Destinations Top 100 List finalist in 2021 & 2022
• Finalist in NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2021 & 2022
• ‘Outstanding Region’ in 2022 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards
• Judges Choice Award for 'Most Compelling Itinerary' - NSW Top Tourism Awards 2021
• ‘The Entrance’ Finalist in Wotif's Aussie Town of the Year Awards 2021

Explore more via our dedicated destination website, LoveCentralCoast.com

https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/