The best and brightest of Sutherland Shire’s $367 million tourism industry were feted tonight in the fifth annual Shire Tourism Awards.
The awards were presented at the Hospitality Establishment, Caringbah with Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises taking out two of the six awards.
Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises marketing manager Christine Hack won the award for outstanding contribution to tourism in the shire by an individual.
Ms Hack was praised for going above and beyond to deliver outstanding tourism experiences for her customers and in promoting the shire.
The company also won the heritage tourism award for operating the ferry MV Curranulla which began as a regular daily service 73 years ago and is the oldest commuter ferry operating to a timetable in Australia.
Joint winners in the deluxe accommodation category were Bundeena Beach Bed and Breakfast, and Bella’s on the Bay.
The hosted accommodation category was won by Oyster Bay Bed and Breakfast, and the shire customer service award was won by Cronulla Visitors Centre.
Canons Shuttles and Sydney Day Tours won the tours and transport award.
Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns said the awards highlighted the passion, enthusiasm and efforts of local businesses and individuals in growing tourism in the shire.
Recent data on the value of tourism obtained from independent research group Remplan for June 2013 paints a diverse, strong and vibrant industry.
‘‘According to the latest figures, the total value of tourism output for the shire is estimated at more than $367 million, an increase of $31 million since December 2012,’’ Cr Johns said.
See the Leader on Tuesday for more details.
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