Four Shoalhaven businesses among state's best

Mt Hay Retreat at Berry, Cupitt's Estate at Ulladulla, Ridge Retreat at Mollymook and Shoalhaven Visitors Centre have all been named as finalists in this year's award by the state's peak tourism organisation, the NSW Tourism Industry Council.

"The NSW Tourism Awards are a celebration of the outstanding innovation and resilience demonstrated again and again by our magnificent industry over the past two years," NSW Tourism Industry Council executive manager, Greg Binskin said.

"It's been an extremely challenging period for the NSW visitor economy and after a break in 2020, the return of the NSW Tourism Awards demonstrates the renewed energy of the visitor economy and celebrates the people, places, and vibrant culture of our feel-good state, NSW.

"The tourism awards categories recognise the broad range of services and experiences across the broader visitor economy.

"It is impressive to see the number of operators and regions who made the most of lockdowns and restricted travel to build new visitor experiences and worked together to attract domestic visitors to their regions."

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After a break last year, the 2021 awards are an opportunity to showcase NSW's 'visitor first' approach and our strengths in digital innovation, high-quality product and collaborative efforts.

"The awards are managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council in partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW, and we look forward to celebrating a path to recovery, re-energise the industry and unify all who are working hard to build back better," Mr Binskin said.

Mt Hay Retreat perched high atop the rolling green pastures of Mt Hay, is a sanctuary unrivalled in position, outlook or quality. A private and tranquil haven just a few minutes from the heart of exclusive Berry village yet a world away from care.

Cupitt's Estate at Ulladulla, where family values and a passion for sustainability come together to create uniquely beautiful products and experiences. Take in stunning views while enjoying house made boutique wine, beer and cheese, share a memorable meal in the restaurant or dine casually on our lawn.

Ridge Retreat at Mollymook is an award winning exclusively adults only luxury boutique accommodation and seclusion between the bush and the sea.

The Shoalhaven Visitors Centres in Nowra and Ulladulla promote the beautiful Shoalhaven - bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and 100 magnificent beaches, which includes 49 towns and villages. Great surf beaches, amazing bushwalks, local culture and many annual food, wine and arts festivals and events the Shoalhaven has it all.

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said this year's finalists embodied the resilient nature of the NSW visitor economy.

"Tourism is an important driver and essential part of the NSW economy," Mr Ayres said.

"The NSW Tourism awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the thousands of individuals who have worked tirelessly during this difficult time, and a great platform to demonstrate why our state is in a fantastic position to be the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.

"The NSW Government is proud to partner with the NSW Tourism Industry Council in celebrating the dedication and innovation of our tourism industry, and I congratulate the finalists for 2021."

The NSW Tourism Award winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on February 3, 2022 at one of NSW's most iconic venues, Luna Park Sydney.

Winners in the designated national award categories will represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards to be held on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, on March 18.

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