The Regional Tourism Awards showcase the best of the region's tourism industry and some amazing individuals and operators.

Representing the Port Macquarie-Hastings region is the Koala Preservation Society, the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel and the Telegraph Point Retreat retreat cottages.

Each of the finalists is now gearing up and in the running across 14 award categories with winners announced and celebrated at the ceremony and gala-dinner on August 1.

Melanie Marshall said she was delighted the retreat cottages had been selected to be a finalist.

"We are in the hosted accommodation category and over the years we have successfully taken out the category a number of times," Mrs Marshall said.

"We were delighted to find out we are among the finalists again in 2019. The application process is quite lengthy and takes a lot of self reflection about your business which we continually strive for."

Mrs Marshall said she believes their attention to detail is why they continually receive positive feedback.

"We pamper our clients who come and stay with us without being over the top," she said.

"Our property is home to farm animals and people really love coming and spending time with us because of the whole experience we provide."

Michael Thurston, general manager of Destination North Coast said the regional awards were an invaluable opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate business excellence across the sector.

"We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our finalists, as they take their first steps on the way to possible State and National recognition," Mr Thurston said.

"All our tourism finalists have contributed to the North Coast's growing reputation as a premier destination in NSW and I would like to congratulate everyone who took the time to enter."

To coincide with the awards Destination North Coast in conjunction with Kempsey Shire Council will host the North Coast Tourism Symposium on August 1 at South West Rocks.

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