TOURISM PRESIDENT APPLAUDS LOCAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Port Macquarie's tourism industry made its mark among keen competition from across the state at the annual NSW Tourism Awards in Sydney on Thursday night.

Port's The Observatory resort hotel was named runner-up for excellence in the deluxe accommodation category, taking out the silver medal from a field of contenders including two leading Sydney hotels and other premium regional properties.

In a separate contest, Port Macquarie's Visitor Information Centre was honoured for the excellence of its services at the Tourism Industry NSW Conference, also held in Sydney.

The president of Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, Mr Chris Denny, said the accolades were a great tribute to the hard work of the local tourism industry.

"These awards will be featured in our various marketing campaigns throughout 2009 and keep Greater Port Macquarie at the forefront of visitors' minds as offering a quality leisure and holiday experience," he said.

Mr Denny, who is also a co-director of The Observatory, said the downturn in the exchange rate of the Australian dollar was seeing domestic tourism well placed to win a greater share of Australians' discretionary spending over the coming year.

"The Tourism NSW Awards are the peak recognition within our industry and Port Macquarie enterprises were honoured in four significant categories on the night.

"As well as The Observatory's honour, our Visitor Information Centre was also a finalist in the Tourism NSW judging, along with Timbertown, a finalist in the heritage and cultural attractions category, and Port Macquarie Tourism Marketing in the marketing section. The results are a tribute to everyone involved.

"It is also very rewarding for all those engaged in promoting Greater Port Macquarie to see their efforts acknowledged. The recognition encourages their continued hard work.

"We can be very proud to know that visitors who seek information about our region via the Visitor Information Centre in person or through the website are being given the very best service. The flow-on effects for the wider community are significant as we compete with other regions to attract tourists and other visitors.

"The latest awards come on top of the recent naming of Port Macquarie Airport as Australia's best regional operator."

Issued November 21 2008