IT'S got the prime location in town overlooking the Hastings River and now it is locked in that holiday-makers love it as one the country's best destinations to take a break.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park has won bronze honours at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on March 6.
Now into its 36th year, the premier awards ceremony recognises the industry's hallmarks of quality and excellence in tourism experiences across several categories, including cultural tourism, ecotourism, restaurants and wineries, accommodation and festivals.
In all, 76 awards were presented across 26 categories on a night that hosted over 800 attendees.
NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park's Dawn and Ray Marchment were overwhelmed by the honour and thanked their staff and community for the ongoing support.
"We're lost for words. We're delighted to share that not only did we win gold at the NSW Tourism Awards, tonight we've taken home the bronze medal at the Australian Tourism Awards," they posted on social media on Friday night.
"We're grateful for our amazing staff and their hard work every day and thank all our loyal guests for their support and recognition."
The award-winning holiday park took home gold in the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards for its leadership in innovation, unique local experiences and world class customer service.
The park rolled out an innovative campaign in the summer holidays encouraging people to disconnect from their phones and reconnect with family and the environment.
Guests could turn-off and lock up their phones in secure Yondr pouches that can only be unlocked by a device at reception, giving them the gift of a digital detox and uninterrupted family time.
Daniel Gschwind, Chair of the Australian Tourism Awards said that the tourism industry in Australia is facing one of its greatest challenges with bushfires along many parts of the country's east coast and a global health crisis disrupting businesses and communities.
"High standard business practices and a focus on quality in every aspect of operations can make the critical difference. Today we celebrate the best in the business, operators who are committed to quality and professionalism in every aspect of what they do, operators who lead the way," Mr Gschwind said.
Australian Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said that this year's awards would be a time of celebration and recognition, but also a time to acknowledge the current challenges facing the tourism industry.
"These awards provide the opportunity for our industry to come together and celebrate Australia's high- calibre and world-class tourism operators," Mr Birmingham said.
"It's this quality that should give us all confidence that our tourism industry will bounce back. I congratulate all finalists and winners who stand as flag bearers for an industry marked by exceptional people and amazing experiences.
"I thank the industry, state and regional tourism agencies and all of our partners for the way in which they are responding to crisis and supporting the message for Australians to #holidayherethisyear. The winners from tonight demonstrate the quality, world class visitor experiences Australians can choose from as they support domestic tourism and travel locally.
"Even in times of strain we should celebrate achievements of excellence, which can be found not only in those represented at these awards but in tourism businesses found throughout every region, town and city of Australia."
