NSW Tourism Awards name top tourism operators.

The 23rd annual NSW Tourism Awards revealed the state’s best tourism operators, selected from hundreds of entries and spanning more than 30 categories.

Tourism accounts for almost 5 percent of employment in NSW, contributing $20.2 billion to the NSW economy each year.

“The NSW Tourism Awards is an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of the industry and those who strive for success and the shared common goal of ensuring NSW is the number one visitor destination in Australia,” Minister for tourism and major events George Souris said.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council won the inaugural Local Government Award for Tourism.

The Young Achiever in Tourism Award went to Spicers Vineyards Estate managing director Belinda Stapleton.

All NSW Tourism Award winners automatically become finalists in the National Tourism Awards.

Full List of Winners:

Blue Mountains National Park                       Cape Byron State Conservation Area

2012 Tamworth Country Music Festival               Deni Ute Muster

Jenolan Caves - Ancient Underworld                   Jenolan Caves - Written In Stone

Mutawintji Eco Tours                                         Business Events Sydney

Moree Visitor Information Centre                        Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast

Moonshadow Cruises                                        Tri State Safaris

Adventure Underground                                     Jenolan Caves

Brand Hunter Valley                                           Travel 21fiftythree  

Margan Restaurant                                            Wyndham Estate Winery

BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park                             Sydney Harbour YHA

Mollymook Beach Waterfront                             Somewhere Unique                               

Scone Motor Inn                                                The Observatory Port Macquarie

Sheraton on the Park                                         Madame Tussauds Sydney       

The Observatory Port Macquarie                        Philip Hele

Jenny-Lee Stefas                                              Belinda Stapleton

Gol Gol Hotel                                                    Port Macquarie Hastings Council