A spotlight on Newcastle's best
Newcastle’s hospitality and tourism scene came together once again for the most glamorous night of the year, with the winners of the 2026 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards announced at the sold-out Awards Gala held at Ravella.
Backed by Prosperity Advisers, the event brought together businesses and individuals from across our local visitor economy to celebrate the very best of a sector that continues to raise the bar.
Across 12 categories, the awards recognise those going above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences.
This year there was a new focus on spotlighting the future of the industry, with three Student Excellence Awards introduced for students from the University of Newcastle, TAFE NSW, and Hunter Education Group.
Industry Support Partner of the Year presented by PARAMOUNT LIQUOR
Winner: EDL Consulting
Finalists:
Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association
Earp Distilling Co.
Inclusive Tourism & Hospitality Operator of the Year presented by CITY OF NEWCASTLE
Winner: Quest Newcastle
Finalists:
MOA & Co.
Reflections Holidays
Best New Visitor Economy Business presented by NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUB
Winner: Newy Food Adventures
Finalists:
The Yellow Door Kitchen
Midtown Newcastle
Excellence in Sustainability presented by THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Winner: MOA & Co.
Finalists:
Crystalbrook Kingsley
Foghorn Brewery
Best Tourism Experience presented by NEWCASTLE AIRPORT
Winner: Newy Tour Co
Finalists:
4WD Tours R Us
Earp Distilling Co.
Best Event or Festival presented by QUEST APARTMENT HOTELS NEWCASTLE
Winner: Newcastle Pride Festival
Finalists:
Newcastle Food Month
Hill to Harbour
Culinary Excellence presented by PROSPERITY ADVISERS GROUP
Winner: Bistro Penny
Finalists:
NOAH'S on the Beach
Cakeboi
Outstanding Accommodation Provider presented by PROSPERITY ADVISERS GROUP
Winner: Quest Newcastle West
Finalists:
NOAH’s on the Beach
Holiday Inn Express
Rydges Newcastle
Rising Star Award presented by ALLOGGIO
Winner: Emily Box, Young Street Hotel
Finalists:
Shea Calvin, The University of Newcastle
Jordann Charter-Smith, QT Newcastle
Allen Miller, Scratchleys
Customer Service Champion presented by EARP DISTILLING CO
Winner: Stewart Ford, Newcastle Cruise Ship Volunteers
Finalists:
Vanessa Zietsman, Earp Distilling Co.
Paris Locke, Quest Newcastle
Employer of the Year presented by PROSPERITY ADVISERS GROUP
Winner: Quest Newcastle/Newcastle West
Finalists:
Rydges Newcastle
Newcastle Airport
Industry Leader of the Year presented by NEWCASTLE TOURISM INDUSTRY GROUP
Winner: Linc Horton, Newcastle Airport
Finalists:
Cameron Burns, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club
Jennifer Roberts, Castlecrest Consultants
