The Canberra Region’s best of the tourism industry were tonight celebrated at the biggest night on the tourism events calendar, the Canberra Region Tourism Awards. The awards ceremony was held at Parliament House, Friday 25th November, in what was a return to the first in-person awards ceremony in three years.
“A huge congratulations goes out to all our entrants this year! It’s been wonderful to have everyone gather to recognise excellence in tourism, particularly after what has again been a challenging year for members of our industry as tourism begins to bounce back,” said Dr Naomi Dale, Chief Executive Officer of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council.
“It’s fantastic to connect and celebrate all our achievements along with the winners and commendations for each category. We are so thrilled to say Canberra Region has winners from 12 categories who will now go on to represent our region at the Australian Tourism Awards being held in Sydney in March 2023.
“Extra big congratulations go to the National Zoo and Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife lodge who swept this year’s local awards, winning in an unprecedented three separate categories which they will now represent at national level.
“The National Zoo and Aquarium won Major Tourist Attraction, with Jamala winning for both Unique Accommodation and Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services. The Tindale family and all their staff have made an incredible contribution to tourism in the Canberra Region,” Dr Dale continued.
Other award winners of the night included National Arboretum for Tourist Attraction; Enlighten (Events ACT) for Major Festivals and Events; Royal Australian Mint for Cultural Tourism, Canberra & Region Visitors Centre for Visitor Information Services and Tallagandra Hill Winery for the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries category.
The ACT Government were the awards’ major sponsor, with support from the National Capital Attractions Association. The full list of award categories, winners and commendations can be viewed below. For more information on the awards visit www.canberratourismawards.com.au
Canberra Region Tourism Awards 2022 – Results
| CATEGORY | TYPE | ORGANISATION | RESULT |
| 1. | Major Tourist Attractions | National Zoo and Aquarium | WINNER |
| 2. | Tourist Attractions | National Arboretum Canberra | WINNER |
| 3. | Major Festivals and Events | Enlighten, Events ACT | WINNER |
| 4. | Festivals and Events | National Folk Festival | Commendation |
| 6. | Cultural Tourism | Royal Australian Mint | WINNER |
| 8. | Tourism Retail & Hire Services | Gallery of Small Things | Commendation |
| 9. | Visitor Information Services | Canberra & Region Visitors Centre | WINNER |
| 12. | Tour & Transport Operators | Van Du Vin | Commendation |
| 13. | Adventure Tourism | Dynamic Motivation Mountain Biking | WINNER |
| 15. | Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services | Jamala Wildlife Lodge | WINNER |
| 16. | Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries | Tallagandra Hill Winery | WINNER |
| 17. | Caravan & Holiday Parks | Alivio Tourist Park | WINNER |
| 19. | Unique Accommodation | Jamala Wildlife Lodge | WINNER |
| 21. | 3-3.5 Star Accommodation | Mercure Canberra | Commendation |
| 22. | 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation | Little National Hotel | WINNER |
| 25. | Excellence in Food Tourism | Pialligo Estate | WINNER |
| LOCAL CATEGORIES | |||
| 26. | Outstanding Contribution by an Individual | Mark Sarah | Cockington Green Gardens | WINNER |
| 27. | Young Achievers Award | Tiina Mustonen | QPRC | WINNER |
| 27. | Young Achievers Award | Michaela Catelin | Hotel Kurrajong | Commendation |
| 28. | Canberra Region Resilience & Innovation | Handmade Market | WINNER |
| 28. | Canberra Region Resilience & Innovation | Pialligo Estate | Commendation |