The NSW tourism industry celebrated its 'night of nights' at the 2001 NSW Tourism Awards for Business Excellence, last Tuesday, at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

Thirty-two winners have been announced at a gala dinner attended by 850 of their industry peers.

Minister for Tourism Sandra Nori paid tribute to the finalists and winners who had excelled in one of the State's fastest growing and dynamic industries.

�Last year we triumphed with the 'best Olympic Games ever' and now our tourism marketing efforts are being heralded the world over as an example for future host countries to follow," she said.

"Here at home the New South Wales tourism industry is worth nearly $20 billion and injects $36,000 a minute into the State's economy."

Ms Nori said tonight's winners came from all over New South Wales - 17 of the 32 winners coming from regional areas - highlighting the depth and quality of both regional and Sydney tourism products.

This evening�s presentations also included the announcement of the 2001 Tourism New South Wales Regional Tourism Organisation Awards.

�The South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation this year scooped the pool in our Regional Tourism Organisation Awards � taking out both the Business Excellence and Marketing Awards," she said.

�The South Coast�s success reflects their promotional efforts in working with Tourism New South Wales, particularly our Short Breaks and Touring by Car programs. "

Ms Nori said Tourism New South Wales placed a new emphasis on business management in this year�s awards, underscoring the importance of professionalism and good business practices.

The judging process included inspections of 100 businesses at the State, and 80 at the regional level.

Twenty-six of the 32 NSW Tourism Award winners announced tonight now go on to represent the State in the Australian Tourism Awards to be presented in Hobart on 2 November.

Media Contact: Sue Wadley, 0419 124 378����..�������.24 July 2001 Carolin Lenehan, 9931 1410 Full details of winners available on Tourism New South Wales Corporate Website at www.tourism.nsw.gov.au Digital images available on request.