Tasmania’s top hospitality and tourism experiences win big at state awards

Tasmania’s top tourism ventures have been honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony, including a top gong for Port Arthur Historic Site. See the full winners list.

The Port Arthur Historic Site was awarded the Major Tourist Attraction at the 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Picture: Supplied

Tasmania’s finest wineries, restaurants, accommodation providers, and tourism operators have been celebrated at the annual Tasmanian Tourism Awards overnight, with seven southern-based businesses taking out the top gong.

More than 450 members of the tourism industry converged in Hobart on Friday night for the awards gala, highlighting the state’s most outstanding local operators across 27 categories.

Agri-tourism pioneers Tim and Jane Parsons of Curringa Farm, near Hamilton, who were awarded the prestigious Tasmanian Tourism Champion Award for their significant contribution to the Tasmanian tourism industry at the 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Picture: Supplied

Among the winners were agritourism pioneers Tim and Jane Parsons of Curringa Farm, near Hamilton, who were awarded the prestigious Tasmanian Tourism Champion Award for their significant contribution to the Tasmanian tourism industry, the Port Arthur Historic Site was awarded the Major Tourist Attraction, while the Major Festival and Events was again won by Tasmania’s Taste of Summer.

Hobart Penitentiary Convict Memorial ‘Unshackled’, run by the National Trust of Tasmania, won the award for Cultural Tourism, Richmond-based Aquila Eco Retreat took home the gold medal for the Ecotourism category, and the internationally recognised The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, claimed title of best Five-Star Luxury Accommodation.

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer again won the award for Major Festival and Events at the 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Picture: Supplied

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Amy Hills said the standard at this year’s awards was extremely high, commenting that it was encouraging to see a number of new businesses and first-time entrants taking part in the program.

“The Tasmanian Tourism Awards recognise innovation, excellence, quality and sustainability in tourism, while also providing a benchmark for industry best practice,” she said.

“This year we’ve seen 78 finalists representing the diversity of our industry, including accommodation, experiences, tour and transport operators, as well as festivals and events.”

Devonport’s luxurious adults-only accommodation the Cove Tasmania won the Excellence in Accessible Tourism award at the 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Picture: Supplied

Ms Hills said four Tasmanian businesses were inducted into the prestigious Tasmanian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, including, Devonport’s luxurious adults-only accommodation the Cove Tasmania, Dunalley cellar door and restaurant Bangor Vineyard Shed, Tasmanian golf specialist tour operator Air Adventure Golf, and BIG 4 St Helens Holiday Park.

“The Hall of Fame, established in 2003, recognises businesses who achieve outstanding success at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards by winning gold in the same category for three consecutive years,” Ms Hills said.

This year’s Tasmanian Tourism Award winners across the 25 national categories automatically become finalists in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Adelaide in March 2025.

The 2024 Tasmanian Tourism Awards winners:

– Major Tourist Attractions – Port Arthur Historic Site

– Tourist Attractions – Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden

– Major Festivals and Events – Taste of Summer

– Eco-tourism – Aquila Eco Retreat

– Cultural Tourism – ‘Unshackled’ Hobart Penitentiary, the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania)

– Tourism Champion Award – Tim and Jane Parsons, Curringa Farm

– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience – wakalina Walk
– Tourism Retail, Hire, and Services – Younique Stays

– Visitor Information Services – Launceston Visitor Information Centre

– Business Event Venues – Peppers Silo Hotel

– Major Tour and Transport Operators – Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

– Tour and Transport Operators – Air Adventure Golf

– Adventure Tourism – Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures

– Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services – Grain of the Silos

– Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries – Bangor Vineyard Shed

– Caravan and Holiday Parks – BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park

– Hosted Accommodation – The Dragonfly Inn

– Unique Accommodation – The Cove Tasmania

– Self-Contained Accommodation – Alice’s Cottages

– 3-3.5 Star Accommodation – Freycinet Resort

– 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation – Peppers Silo Hotel

– 5 Star Luxury Accommodation – The Tasman

– New Tourism Business – Red Rock Hut

– Excellence in Food Tourism – The Truffle Farm

– Excellence in Accessible Tourism – The Cove Tasmania

– Tourism Minister’s Young Achiever Award – Younique Stays

– Chair of Judges’ Award for Positive Impact Tourism – The Unconformity festival

– People’s Choice Award – Maria Island Cruises