GoBoat Australia was a big winner at the 2023 Canberra Region Tourism Awards tonight, being named best Tour and Transport Operator and receiving two commendations in the Ecotourism, and Tourism Retail and Hire services categories.
The awards ceremony was held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Friday 24 November, in what organisers described as a “night of nights”.
“A huge congratulations goes out to all our entrants this year,” said Dr Naomi Dale, CEO of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council. “It’s been wonderful to have everyone gather to recognise excellence in tourism, particularly when capacity to write and commit to the process proved harder than previous years for many.
“It’s fantastic to connect and celebrate all our achievements along with the winners and commendations for each category,” Dr Dale said. “… Canberra Region has winners from 10 categories who will now go on to represent the Canberra Region at the Australian Tourism Awards being held in Darwin in March 2024.”
Other award winners on the night included: the National Dinosaur Museum as best Tourist Attraction; Jamala Wildlife Lodge for Unique Accommodation; the Multicultural Festival for Major Festivals and Events; the National Arboretum for Ecotourism; Lights on the Lake (National Capital Authority) for Festivals and Events; Royal Australian Mint for Cultural Tourism; Canberra & Region Visitors Centre for Visitor Information Services; and Alivio Tourist Park for the Caravan and Holiday Parks category.
The local categories also delivered with Dr Mathew Trinca AM from the National Museum of Australia taking out the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award, Malakai Yeomans from DOMA was named Young Achiever, and Scott Leggo from Scott Leggo Gallery received the Canberra Region Resilience and Innovation award. In the inaugural Natasha Watson Women in Tourism Award, the deserved winner was Dorothy Barclay from Forrest Hotel.
VisitCanberra were the awards’ major sponsor, with support from the National Capital Attractions Association.
The full list of award categories, winners and commendations
Tourist Attractions – National Dinosaur Museum
Major Festivals and Events – Multicultural Festival (Winner); DESIGN Canberra Festival (Commendation)
Festivals and Events – Lights on the Lake (NCA)
Ecotourism – National Arboretum Canberra (Winner); GoBoat Australia (Commendation)
Cultural Tourism – Royal Australian Mint
Tourism Retail and Hire Services – The National Museum Shop at the National Museum of Australia (Winner); GoBoat Australia (Commendation)
Visitor Information Services – Canberra & Region Visitors Centre
Tour and Transport Operators – GoBoat Australia (Commendation)
Tourism Restaurants and Catering – Marble & Grain (Commendation)
Caravan and Holiday Parks – Alivio Tourist Park
Unique Accommodation – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
3-3.5 Star Accommodation – Mercure Canberra (Commendation)
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation – Deco Hotel Canberra (Commendation)
5 Star Luxury Accommodation – Hyatt Hotel Canberra (Commendation)
LOCAL CATEGORIES
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Dr Mathew Trinca AM | National Museum of Australia
Young Achiever – Malakai Yeomans | DOMA
Canberra Region Resilience and Innovation – Scott Leggo
Natasha Watson Women in Tourism – Dorothy Barclay | Forrest Hotel
For more information on the 2023 Canberra Region Tourism Awards, visit canberratourismawards.com.au
