2025 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards: Bigger than Ever!

Three men in suits smile, holding drinks at a festive gathering with string lights in a warmly lit room. Joyful atmosphere.

Nominations for Newcastle Tourism Industry Group’s (NTIG) 2025 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards are now open. This year, the highly coveted Awards feature a much-expanded line-up of 12 categories, showcasing excellence across the gamut of the local visitor economy.

“Year after year, we are honouring the best of the best in the industry with our Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards,” said NTIG Chair and founder of CoastXP, Dominic May.

“For the 2025 Awards, we were keen to better reflect the full breadth of hospitality businesses and tourism operators. We also reached out to secure naming rights sponsors for the now 12 awards categories and were hugely encouraged by the positive response. It speaks volumes about the importance of the Awards and the commitment to excellence within our membership base and the industry overall that every single Awards category will be presented by a sponsor. NTIG is driven by a group of volunteer committee members and this support is crucial for our work.

“We are already seeing nominations come in and are expecting some difficult decisions amongst a list of worthy contenders once judging commences. And of course, we are all looking forward to the industry’s night of nights, the announcement of all the winners at the Awards Gala on 19 May at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.”

2025 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards Categories and Supporters

Industry Support Partner of the Year presented by FOGHORN BREWERY

Honouring one of our industry partners for their outstanding support, for helping us create the magic and allowing us to focus on what we do best.

Inclusive Tourism & Hospitality Operator of the Year presented by WILDERLUXE

Recognising operators who excel in inclusivity, make every guest feel truly valued and create accessible, culturally sensitive, welcoming spaces for all.

Best New Visitor Economy Business presented by EARP DISTILLING CO

Celebrating a business or individual that started up in the past 12 months and has made an outstanding contribution to the visitor economy.

Best Tourism Experience presented by NEWCASTLE AIRPORT

Recognising the most memorable, innovative and coveted visitor experience in Newcastle, whether it is an attraction, tour, or event.

Best Event or Festival presented by QUEST APARTMENTS

Recognising a standout event or festival that has significantly contributed to the local visitor economy.

Culinary Excellence presented by PSP HOSPITALITY SUPPLIES

For the restaurant, café, or food experience that has boldly elevated Newcastle's culinary reputation.

Outstanding Accommodation Provider presented by NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUB

Rewarding excellence in the hospitality industry, including hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals.

Emerging Hospitality and Tourism Leader presented by NEWCASTLE BUSINESS SCHOOL – UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE

For a young professional or new business making big waves in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Customer Service Champion presented by PETER DRAYTON WINES

Honouring a business or individual that consistently delivers outstanding service to visitors and guests.

Employer of the Year presented by PARAMOUNT LIQOR

Awarding an employer that ensures their guests have the best experience while remaining resilient in the face of new challenges.

Employee of the Year Award presented by GOOD FOOD DISTRIBUTOR

With so many in hospitality and tourism going the extra mile for their guests and patrons, this award will honour someone who has taken commitment and dedication to the next level.

Industry Leader of the year presented by SOQUAL

Honouring an individual who has dedicated significant effort over the past year to the growth and success of Newcastle's tourism industry.

Nominations can be submitted on ntig.org.au/awards/ and will close on 27 April.

Awards Gala

Winners will be announced at the visitor economy’s night of nights, the Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards Gala, held on Monday, 19 May at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club. Tickets ($80 for NTIG members and $90 for non-members) are available from the NTIG website (ntig.org.au/awards) and include live entertainment, ample finger food, beer, wine, gin and soft drinks.

Our supporters

The NTIG committee would like to thank all naming rights sponsors as well as our supporters who provide event management support, and delicious food and beverages for the Awards Gala.