The Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon tourism industry is celebrating an extremely successful night at the 2009 NSW Tourism Awards Gala evening with members being awarded a stunning cache of six Gold awards, two Silver and one Bronze award.

�The Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region tourism industry is basking in gold, silver and bronze this morning�, advised Randall Walker, Chairman, Blue Mountains Tourism Limited.

�It was a high profile evening for our region�s operators with outstanding results in the Award categories coupled with a strong show of attendance and support at the event by our members.��

�And the energy across the whole industry was noticeably positive and upbeat, from Minister for Tourism, Jodi Mckay, Lyndel Gray, Executive Director and General Manager of Tourism NSW, and all the regional and local tourism bodies and many individual operators. You could feel that the NSW tourism industry is poised for growth through harmony and cooperation.�

�The state�s tourism industry is certainly aware of both the quality of product and the strength and unity of the industry within the Blue Mountains region�.

Philip Hammon, owner and CEO of Scenic World, won the coveted Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism by an Individual. The Award was presented by the Minister for Tourism � Jodi McKay.

On accepting the Award, Philip stated �I thank Tourism NSW for the great work they do facilitating international famils [familiarisation tours] to Scenic World, and I thank Blue Mountains Tourism for the work it does in promoting the region.�

Presented by the Tourism Industry Council NSW (TICNSW), proudly supported by Tourism NSW, the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held at The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre the event is the largest and most prestigious event on the NSW tourism calendar.

The NSW Tourism Awards are a submission and inspection-based competition held annually and celebrates and acknowledges tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and success throughout the year.

Blue Mountains Tourism Limited 2009 NSW Tourism Awards Winners and Finalists Gold Awards * Ecotourism Blue Mountains National Park www.nationalparks.com.au

* Rod Murdoch Memorial Award Visitor Information and Services Oberon Visitor Information Centre www.oberonaustralia.com

* Tourism Education and Training Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School www.hotelschool.com.au

* Unique Accommodation Old Leura Dairy www.oldleuradairy.com

* Major Tourist Attractions Featherdale Wildlife Park www.featherdale.com.au

* Outstanding Contribution by an Individual 2009 Winner Philip Hammon

Silver Awards * Tourist Attractions The Magic of Jenolan, Jenolan Caves www.jenolancaves.org.au

* Meetings and Business Tourism Old Leura Dairy www.oldleuradairy.com

Bronze Awards * Adventure Tourism Adventure Underground, Jenolan Caves www.jenolancaves.org.au

Finalists

Ecotourism Tread Lightly eco tours

Heritage and Cultural tourism Bygone Beauties The Norman Lindsay Gallery

Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services The Conservation Hut

Tourist and Caravan Parks Jenolan Caravan Park

Hosted Accommodation Whispering Pines Chalet and Cottages

Registered Clubs Wentworth Falls Country Club Tourism Marketing Privileged Guest Card (Blue Mountains Accommodation Association)

Specialist Tourism Services Spa Sublime

For Further Information: Melissa Humphrey, Marketing & Communications Manager Blue Mountains Tourism Limited P: 02 4780 5229 M: 0414 317 913 E: mhumphrey@bmcc.nsw.gov.au