“The Nundle Woollen Mill, Glen Innes Celtic Festival and Tamworth’s Country music festival are up against the state’s best,” said Joe Townsend, Regional Manager NSW Business Chamber.

There are 125 finalists competing for honours across 26 categories.

“To be recognized at the NSW Tourism Awards is an outstanding achievement, recognizing the exceptional quality, hard work and commitment shown by local tourism operators and businesses,” Mr Townsend said.

“Success on Thursday doesn’t depend on whether an operator is big or small.

“It depends on their vision, achieving their business goals and as a result, the excellent way their tourism product or service is finally delivered.

“Congratulation to all the finalists for articulating their business and story so well.”

NSW remains the number one visitor destination in Australia for visitors, visitor nights and expenditure. In the year up to June we had seen a growth in overnight visitors of 8.9 per cent to 37.3 million across the state. Regional NSW has the lion share, 65 per cent of overnight visitors in NSW.

The winners will be announced at a gala presentation night to be held at Sydney’s Luna Park.

Winners from 25 aligned national categories will then represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday March 1, 2019 in Launceston.