Celebrating the best of the best: Winners of the 2025 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards

Credit: Magnetic Shots

Newcastle Tourism Industry Group’s (NTIG) 2025 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards recognise exceptional talent, dedication and achievements across 12 categories, capturing the breadth of our local visitor economy. Award winners have just been announced at the annual Awards Gala, held at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.

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“It has truly been a massive, thrilling night for our industry,” said NTIG chair and CoastXP founder Dominic May.

“It is such a privilege to be able to showcase the versatility of this vibrant industry and the commitment and excellence of all our finalists and, of course, our award winners.

“We had certainly hoped for less tumultuous weather. But in a way, it’s befitting an industry that has to deal with ever changing conditions and that strives to provide every single guest and visitor to our region with a superb, memorable experience – come rain, hail or shine.

“NTIG’s membership has increased by 12% over the last 12 months, and by 91% in the past four years. Likewise, our monthly member meetings have grown in popularity.

“As a committee we are delighted to see our industry constantly striving to be more collaborative, to support each other through various means, including forming new relationships, which will ultimately lead to growing our industry, supporting education pathways and fostering a sustainable, accessible and thriving visitor economy in the Hunter Region.”

In his address, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp MP highlighted the valuable economic contribution of the tourism and hospitality sector and the government’s initiatives to evolve the NSW visitor economy strategy, by investing in infrastructure, and marketing campaigns, attracting major events and supporting the night time economy.

Every single day of the year, visitors to the region spend $16.4m in our local economy. Tourism businesses offer 4.2% of the region’s employment. Per year, we welcome 4.8 million visitors to Newcastle.

“Last night, the industry came together to celebrate the best of the best in an industry that is making such a vital contribution to sustainable growth and the long-term future of our region,” Dominic May added.

“Please join me in congratulating all our finalists and winners.”

2025 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards: Finalists and winners

Industry Support Partner of the Year presented by Foghorn Brewery

Winner: Hunt Hospitality

2. Fordtronic AV

3. Newcastle Food Month

Inclusive Tourism & Hospitality Operator presented by Wilderluxe

Winner: Bernie's Bar

2. Quest Apartments Newcastle West

3. Modus Brewery Merewether

Best New Visitor Economy Business presented by Earp Distilling Co

Winner: Newy Tour Co.

2. Showtime Kayaking

3. Beach Hotel Merewether

Best Tourism Experience presented by Newcastle Airport

Winner: Moonshadow Cruises

2. Quadbike King

3. Nova Cruises

Best Event or Festival of the Year presented by Quest Apartments Newcastle/Newcastle West

Winner: Newcastle Food Month, Newcastle Events

2. Portside/over the Ditch, Earp Presents

3. Postie Bike Grand Prix, Charlie McLennan

Culinary Excellence presented by PSP Hospitality Supplies

Winner: Humbug

2. Nagisa

3. Roundhouse Crystalbrook

Outstanding Accommodation Provider presented by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

Winner: Quest Apartments Newcastle & Newcastle West

2. Rydges Newcastle

3. Crystalbrook Kingsley Newcastle

Emerging Hospitality & Tourism Leader presented by Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle

Winner: Keira Bourke, Newy Tour Co.

2. Jai Boicos, 4WD Tours

3. Bernie's Bar

Customer Service Champion presented by Peter Drayton Wines

Winner: James Camarsh, Quest Newcastle West

2. Brent Ebert, Quest Newcastle

3. Nicole Minter, Soqual

Employer of the Year presented by Paramount Liquor

Winner: Rydges Newcastle

2. Quest Apartments Newcastle & Newcastle West

3. Modus Brewery Merewether

Employee of the Year presented by Good Food Distributors

Winner: Zoe Tuilotolava, Hunt Hospitality

2. John Simpson, Newcastle Airport

3. Catriona Borg, Earp Distilling Co

Industry Leader of the Year presented by Soqual

Winner: Paul O'Rourke, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

2. Stephen Hunt - Hunt Hospitality

2. Cameron Burns - Earp Distillery (tied for second place)