MidCoast Council's destination brand Barrington Coast is a finalist in two categories of the New South Wales Tourism Awards for 2021.
The NSW Tourism Awards celebrate business excellence, innovation and exceptional customer service. The 2020 awards did not take place due to COVID-19 so the current awards cover a 24 month period ending June 2021.
"The extended qualification period allowed us to include the brand launch of Barrington Coast, the launch of the new destination website and social media pages plus our inaugural destination marketing campaign," MidCoast Council's Mayor David West said.
"We've enjoyed exceptionally good results in all of these marketing channels, so we were very happy with the strength of our two submissions."
The two award entries focused on the robust research and strategies undertaken by MidCoast Council for destination management, tourism branding, media choice, creative design, and tracking user behaviour.
"I am thrilled to see us named as a finalist in the 'tourism marketing and campaigns' category and the 'Local Government Award for Tourism' category.
"Importantly, we're able to receive feedback from industry experts about our efforts - whether we win or not - and that's gold," said Mayor West.
The 'tourism marketing and campaigns' category recognises creativity and innovation in the promotion of tourism products, services and/or destinations.
The 'Local Government Award for tourism' recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management.
Destination Barrington Coast is joined by several other local tourism businesses as finalists in their categories: Aussie Ark in Barrington Tops (Tourist Attractions); Blueys Motel (4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation); Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks (Caravan and Holiday Parks); and Seafarers Diamond Beach (Excellence in Accessible Tourism).
Due the current COVID-19 restrictions, the planned November awards ceremony has been postponed until early next year. Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner at Sydney's Luna Park on 3 February 2022. Relevant category winners will go on to represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards six weeks later on 18 March 2022 on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
