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The NSW Tourism Association has named the finalists for the 2026 NSW Tourism Awards, with 210 nominations \u2013 including 48 new entrants \u2013 across 30 categories.<\/strong><\/p>\n The categories span tourist attractions, accommodation, events, food and beverage experiences, ecotourism and tour operators. Entrants must meet recognised industry quality standards and every finalist holds tourism industry accreditation. Submissions were assessed by 50 judges, alongside a consumer review score component.<\/p>\n NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward said reaching the finalist stage required significant work, capability and commitment.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery finalist had to look deeply at their business and demonstrate the quality, capability and continuous improvement that sits behind the experience they deliver,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n This year the association expanded its entrant support program, adding a mentoring service to draft reviews and entrant webinars. A quarter of entrants used the mentoring, while more than 50 per cent of businesses took part in the webinars, which feature contributions from industry experts and judges.<\/p>\n \u201cThe process helps operators step outside the day-to-day tasks and work on their business,\u201d Godward said.<\/p>\n Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said the finalists reflected the quality of experiences driving the state\u2019s visitor economy, adding that the government is working towards a $91 billion tourism target by 2035.<\/p>\n Eligible Gold winners will go on to represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards. The awards are part of Australia\u2019s longest-running tourism awards program, which has operated for more than 40 years.<\/p>\n