Visitor centres, a major long-running festival and an adults-only bush retreat are on a winner's high after scoring some of the year's top tourism gongs.
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The 2019 Destination Country and Outback and Destination Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Awards, held in Dubbo, named the best events, experiences and services.
Mudgee was the clear big winner on the night: Mudgee Regional Tourism (MRT) took the gold for visitor information services and was inducted into the hall of fame for its destination marketing.
In the accommodation sections, Mudgee's Sierra Escape won gold (unique); Kirsten Serviced Accommodation won gold and Peppertree Hill silver (self-contained); and The Parkview Hotel silver (deluxe).
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MRT chief executive Cara George said the event success reflected locals' passion for regional tourism.
"I think that we can break it down to [having] a great team at Mudgee Region Tourism that's really passionate about our region and everything they do, and have a drive for success," she said.
"But most importantly it's our partners that are delivering service excellence in visitor experiences ...
"I think the word collaboration is the most important word in our region; I think true collaboration is our secret to success."
Tamworth Country Music Festival took out the gold in the major festivals and events category, and Warialda's Faraway Domes won the award for best new tourism business.
Faraway Domes chief executive Kate Munsie said her family felt "so honoured to be recognised in the prestigious awards so early in our journey" - just nine months after the first guests to the private, self-contained geodesic dome retreat.
Warrumbungle Visitor Centre scored silver for visitor information services, National Parks and Wildlife Service's John Whittall saying it was "recognition of the many hours of hard work" put into rebuilding it.
"The result is an iconic building that is quite awe-inspiring to visit and which will attract and fascinate visitors for many years to come."
Also in the New England region, Yuinart of Glen Innes won the silver cultural tourism award; and Armidale's City Centre Motor Inn won bronze for standard accommodation.
Category winners will now gain finalist status upon entering the NSW Tourism Awards, to be held in Sydney in November.