The National Zoo & Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge swept this year’s Canberra Region Tourism Awards, winning in an unprecedented three separate categories.
Other winners from the private sector included Tallagandra Hill Winery at Gundaroo, Dynamic Motivation Mountain Biking, Alivio Tourist Park, Little National Hotel, Pialligo Estate, Handmade Market, and Mark Sarah of Cockington Green Gardens.
In what was a return to the first in-person awards ceremony in three years, the Canberra Region’s best of the tourism industry were celebrated at Parliament House last night, Friday 25 November.
“A huge congratulations goes out to all our entrants this year! It’s been wonderful to have everyone gather to recognise excellence in tourism, particularly after what has again been a challenging year for members of our industry as tourism begins to bounce back,” said Dr Naomi Dale, CEO of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council.
“It’s fantastic to connect and celebrate all our achievements along with the winners and commendations for each category. We are so thrilled to say Canberra Region has winners from 12 categories who will now go on to represent our region at the Australian Tourism Awards being held in Sydney in March 2023.
“Extra big congratulations go to the National Zoo and Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife lodge who swept this year’s local awards, winning in an unprecedented three separate categories which they will now represent at national level.
“The National Zoo & Aquarium won Major Tourist Attraction, with Jamala winning for both Unique Accommodation and Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services. The Tindale family and all their staff have made an incredible contribution to tourism in the Canberra Region,” Dr Dale said.
Other award winners of the night included National Arboretum for Tourist Attraction; Enlighten (Events ACT) for Major Festivals and Events; Royal Australian Mint for Cultural Tourism, Canberra & Region Visitors Centre for Visitor Information Services; and Tallagandra Hill Winery for the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries category.
The ACT Government were the awards’ major sponsor, with support from the National Capital Attractions Association. The full list of award categories, winners and commendations can be viewed below. For more information on the awards visit www.canberratourismawards.com.au
Canberra Region Tourism Awards 2022 winners and commendations
Major Tourist Attractions – National Zoo & Aquarium
Tourist Attractions – National Arboretum Canberra
Major Festivals and Events – Enlighten, Events ACT
Festivals and Events – National Folk Festival (Commendation)
Cultural Tourism – Royal Australian Mint
Tourism Retail & Hire Services – Gallery of Small Things (Commendation)
Visitor Information Services – Canberra & Region Visitors Centre
Tour & Transport Operators – Van Du Vin (Commendation)
Adventure Tourism – Dynamic Motivation Mountain Biking
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Tallagandra Hill Winery
Caravan & Holiday Parks – Alivio Tourist Park
Unique Accommodation – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
3-3.5 Star Accommodation – Mercure Canberra (Commendation)
4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation – Little National Hotel
Excellence in Food Tourism – Pialligo Estate
Local Categories
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Mark Sarah, Cockington Green Gardens
Young Achievers Award – Tiina Mustonen, QPRC; Michaela Catelin, Hotel Kurrajong (Commendation)
Canberra Region Resilience & Innovation – Handmade Market; Pialligo Estate (Commendation)
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