THE Bathurst Visitor Information Centre and Bathurst Regional Council's Winter Festival have been awarded gold and silver respectively in statewide tourism awards.
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The information centre received its gold in the visitor information services category at the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards and the Bathurst Winter Festival got silver for festivals and events.
The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre will now go on to the national awards.
Mayor Robert Taylor said it was a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work and commitment of council's tourism and events staff.
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The successful recipients were announced via a virtual ceremony on Thursday evening which was broadcast live to an audience of more than 650 people across the state.
"Tourism is a strong focus for council, with the sector contributing $245 million annually to the local economy prior to the disruptions caused by COVID," Cr Taylor said.
"The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre really is the heart of tourism for the region and the team there are passionate about what they do, ensuring the best experience for all who visit as well as working every day to keep those visitors coming and staying for longer.
"A great experience begins with great people, and council is fortunate to have such a dedicated team at BVIC."
The information centre is open 363 days a year, offering its services to visitors and the community.
Bathurst Regional Council says the centre is committed to seeing Bathurst's visitor economy grow, working with the regional industry and operators to improve the visitor experience and to market the Bathurst region as a destination of choice.
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BVIC will now progress to compete as a finalist at the Australian Tourism Awards which will be held on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on March 18.
Cr Taylor said the Winter Festival had turned the cold Bathurst winters into a vibrant and eagerly anticipated time of year that attracts people from around the region.
"Despite the difficulties of the past two years, council's events team has worked hard with local businesses and the community to find new and creative ways to deliver this sensational event," he said.
"To see it receive the silver award is an outstanding recognition of this hard work and of the quality of the Winter Festival as a signature event."
The Bathurst Winter Festival, first held to celebrate the city's bicentenary in 2015, has since secured its place on the calendar, drawing crowds in the thousands.
It is set to return in July 2022.