“We are looking to break last year’s record number of entries by encouraging all tourism businesses to consider entering this historic year,” Awards spokeswoman Catherine Shields said.

“The awards acknowledge and encourage innovators and outstanding operators in our visitor-based economy who often fly under the radar of the general business community,” Ms. Shields said.

The industry along the coast is riding high after the Unspoilt tourism campaign recently gained worldwide exposure, winning gold at the Pacific Asia Travel Association Awards.

Tourism businesses from Wollongong to the Sapphire Coast are invited to enter into one or more of the 30 South Coast award categories, including attractions and accommodation, events, dining, eco-tourism and others.

The awards are the principal tourism industry event on the South Coast, recognising and celebrating the best operators and their outstanding achievements over the past 12 months.

South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) has planned and delivered the awards since their launch in 1996.

To celebrate the 20-year milestone, winners will be announced at the gala presentation evening at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Aviation Museum in Albion Park on Wednesday, October 26.

Judges will also award two additional prizes – Inclusive Tourism and Sustainable Tourism – that cannot be entered directly but are assessed from submissions in all categories.

Award categories are divided into Industry Awards and Outstanding Industry Achievement Awards.

Entries close on Monday August 29, 2016.

South Coast RTO covers the five Local Government Areas of Shellharbour City, Kiama Municipality, Shoalhaven City, Eurobodalla Shire and Bega Valley Shire.

Visit http://www.southcoasttourism.org/news-sc-tourism-awards for more information.