Tourism industry shines

ALEXANDRA LoSURDO

KIAMA has shown it is one of the leaders of tourism, after local businesses took home six of 19 categories at the The Illawarra Tourism Awards on Friday.

The awards were held at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

Kiama area winners were Jamberoo Action Park, Kiama Visitor Centre, Kiama Harbour Cabins, Kiama Scenic Tours, Kiama Regional Wine Show and bellachara boutique hotel, with MV Signa Charters receiving a distinction.

Gerringong's bellachara boutique hotel won the award for Accommodation " Hotels and Motels.

Owner Gregg Currie was enthusiastic about the personal victory as well as the local industry.

"It gives the locals something to be proud of in their own area," Mr Currie said.

He remained confident about the future of the industry in the Kiama area.

"We've just tapped the surface. The future is huge," he said.

Someone who shares that vision is Kiama Tourism's acting manager Kathy McCouat.

"It's (tourism) one of the most important parts of the economy," Ms McCouat said.

The statistics agree, with 3.9 million domestic and international tourists making the trek to the Illawarra in the past financial year.

Jim Eddy, owner of Jamberoo Action Park, which won the award in the Tourist Attraction category, said his park had experienced a "significant increase in visitor numbers", in the past year.

Member for Kiama and Tourism Minister Matt Brown said tourism businesses in the Kiama area "cleaned-up" at the awards.

"As well as our spectacular natural attractions, we have a highly professional tourism industry, recognised by these awards," Mr Brown said.

"A big congratulations to Kiama tourism operators for their hard work and great contribution to our community and the local economy."

The event will be the final Illawarra Tourism Awards.

Next year's event will come under the banner of the South Coast Tourism Awards, after the merger of the Illawarra Regional Tourism Organisation with the South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation earlier in the year.