The Qantas National Tourism Awards where held at the Cairns Convention Centre, Friday 2 March, where the best of the best in National tourism gathered to celebrate Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners.

Of the 26 Gold Awards on offer, in categories of accommodation, restaurants, wineries, adventure tourism, tour operators, events and attractions, 18 regional operators, were awarded excellence in their individual fields.

A further 75% of all silver and bronze awards where awarded to regional operators, highlighting the significance of regional tourism and the strength of regions to remain sustainable and resistant in a slow domestic market.

This outstanding result demonstrates the importance of regional tourism to the national tourism offering and their ability to contribute to regional economies through employment of around half a million Australians, nationally.

Congratulations to the following regional Australian Tourism Award winners...

New Tourist Development - MONA

Tourist Attractions - The Magic of Jenolan

Heritage & Cultural Tourism - Jenolan Caves - Written in Stone

Indigenous Tourism - Coffs Coast Aboriginal Discovery

Specialised Tourism Services - Newcastle Airport

Ecotourism - Moonraker Dolphin Swims

Visitor Information & Services - Bendigo Visitor Centre

Major Tour/Transport Operator - Fantasea Adventure Cruising

Tour/Transport Operator - Tri State Safaris

Adventure Tourism - The Maria Island Walk

Tourism Marketing - Pure Tasmania

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services - Jacob's Restaurant & Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Boutique Breweries - Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre

Tourist & Caravan Park - Big 4 North Star Holiday Resort & Caravan Park

Hosted Accommodation - Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage

Unique Accommodation - Eco Beach Wilderness Resort

Standard Accommodation - Scone Motor Inn

Luxury Accommodation - Saffire-Freycinet