Local tourism businesses have taken out a string of gold honours at Wednesday’s 2016 South Coast Tourism Awards in Albion Park.
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The Cobargo Folk Festival, On the Perch, Tathra Beach House, Coastlife Adventures and Tathra Beachside all won gold in their nominated categories.
Festival executive director Zena Armstrong said the event’s gold award for best event or festival in its first year being nominated acknowledges the hard work of the community and countless volunteers throughout its 22 year history.
“It is just a strong community event that makes the measure of its success stand out,” Ms Armstrong said.
Sapphire Coast Tourism estimates the festival brings over $1.5million into the Bega Valley economy each year.
“We work very closely with Cobargo businesses and accommodation providers to make sure they benefit,” Ms Armstrong said.
“We put money back into the community, fund songwriting and mentor workshops for locals and also help schools and Scouts.
“The event is not just about consuming but also encouraging local participation.”
Ms Armstrong thanked everyone involved in the festival, which at one point was run with just $400 in the bank.
Tathra’s On the Perch took the gold award for best new tourist venture, and head bird keeper Steve Sass took to social media to thank the community for their support since the business opened in September 2015.
“It's a great honour and testament to our team and their work in making On the Perch a fantastic experience,” Mr Sass said.
“We thank all of our visitors for your support over the past 13 months since opening.”
According to Deloitte Access Economics, the tourism industry contributed $2billion to the South Coast economy, over eight per cent of the gross regional product and employed almost 14,000 people.
Over half were intrastate overnight visitors, who contributed three quarters of overall tourist money injected into the region each year.