The Hunter Region Tourism Organisation (HRTO) is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Hunter Region Tourism Awards on 7th July 2025 at the prestigious Cypress Lakes Resort. This new initiative aims to celebrate and recognise outstanding achievements across the Hunter region’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.
Open to businesses from Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and the Upper Hunter Council areas, the awards will highlight excellence across a broad range of categories including accommodation, tours, dining, and cultural experiences.
Troy White from HRTO emphasised the importance of creating a unique awards program, stating, “It was important for us to create an awards that was unique, and dedicated to recognising the very best tourism and hospitality operators from right across the Hunter, from Merewether to Merriwa. To the best of my knowledge, the Hunter Region hasn’t had a dedicated tourism awards program for over a decade, and we want to ensure regional businesses aren’t missing out on these opportunities. This launch marks a significant step in celebrating the region’s dynamic tourism industry and fostering collaboration among operators”.
Entry to the awards will be completely free, encouraging wide participation from businesses of all sizes and backgrounds.
Organisers expect participation in the Hunter Region Tourism Awards to be among the largest in New South Wales, with hundreds of businesses across the region expected to participate, reflecting the Hunter’s status as a premier destination and its thriving visitor economy.
Judging to Focus on Visitor Experience
Having been a judge for other tourism awards, Troy White said the judging of the Hunter Region Tourism Awards will also be unique and focused on highlighting businesses who are delivering the best experience to visitors to the region. “While the awards will be easy to enter, winning will be more challenging. Businesses that are fortunate enough to win, will be recognised for helping make the Hunter Region a great place to visit, which is great for everyone” he added.
The launch event at Cypress Lakes Resort will introduce the awards framework and categories, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting new tradition in the Hunter’s tourism calendar. Winners will receive valuable recognition and opportunities to enhance their business profiles.
The launch is being held as part of the Hunter Region Tourism Organisation’s ever-popular Hunter Tourism Meet & Mingle industry networking events, tickets are available here: https://events.humanitix.com/hunter-tourism-meet-and-mingle-july-cypress-lakes-resort.
For more information or to register interest, please contact the Hunter Region Tourism Organisation on (02) 4936 2557.
Media Contact:
Troy White
Hunter Region Tourism Organisation
Phone: (02) 4936 2557
