Gold, silver and bronze to the Tweed in Qantas Tourism Awards

THREE Tweed operators have been recognised at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, with gold, silver and bronze wins across key categories.

The Tweed Tourism Co. won gold in the Tourism Marketing & Campaigns category for the second year in a row amongst an impressive national field and ahead of Rottnest Island (WA) and Barossa Australia (SA).

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail won silver for Tourist Attractions, and Potager – A Kitchen Garden won bronze for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services.

The general manager of Tweed Tourism Co., Sally Scott, said that being recognised on the national stage again reflected the high calibre of tourism collaboration and innovation across the region.

“It’s a true celebration of the collective work of the region’s tourism operators and our great partnership with the Tweed Shire Council,” Scott said.

“For our Tweed marketing campaign to be recognised as the best in Australia once again, especially amongst so many stellar destinations and products, is an affirmation of The Tweed’s place as one of the country’s leading tourism regions.”

Northern Rivers Rail Trail Regional Lead Dean Cooper said it was a huge moment for the Trail.

“This award is shared with the many people who have championed the Rail Trail over the years— supporters, volunteers, community groups, businesses, licensed operators, tourism partners and local councils — who have worked tirelessly to see this vision become a reality,” Cooper said.

“We hope this acknowledgement helps propel us towards completing and fully connecting the Rail Trail, ensuring it reaches its full 130 km potential as one of Australia’s most iconic experiences.”

Owner of Potager, Peter Burr, said being recognised as one of Australia’s top three Tourism Restaurants was an incredible achievement.

“To be the number one Tourism Restaurant in NSW three years in a row, the number two Tourism Restaurant in Australia for two years, and now awarded third in the country is something we could have only dreamed of when we started the business nine years ago.

“The Tweed is a remarkable place to live and work and we’re so proud of our contribution to visitor economy for the region,” he said.

The mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry, said everyone who lived in Tweed knew it had a world-class tourism industry, facilities, and natural beauty.

“I am delighted that we’ve had three outstanding local operators acknowledged in this way,” Cr. Cherry said. “Cyclone Alfred has taken a real toll on many of our tourism businesses and attractions, including Potager and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, so this recognition is even sweeter after these recent weather impacts.”