The region’s leading hospitality and tourism operators, events, venues and industry professionals have been recognised at the Prosperity Advisers 2026 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards, with winners announced at a sold-out gala celebration at Ravella Newcastle on Monday 18th of May.
The Awards brought together businesses and individuals from across the visitor economy to celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in an industry that continues to play a critical role in Newcastle’s economic growth and identity.
NTIG Chair and CoastXP founder Dominic May said the strength of this year’s finalists and winners reflected the momentum currently driving the region’s visitor economy.
“Across the past 12 months, Newcastle and the wider Hunter have continued to evolve as a destination, with growing visitor numbers, major investment in infrastructure and increasing national attention on the experiences our region offers,” Dominic May said.
“The quality of this year’s submissions demonstrates just how ambitious, resilient and innovative our hospitality and tourism businesses are. From accommodation providers and restaurants to festivals, tours and industry leaders, our winners represent the very best of a sector that continues to raise the bar.
“Newcastle’s visitor economy has enormous opportunities ahead of it. The expansion of Newcastle Airport, major city revitalisation projects and improved connectivity will continue to transform the region, and our industry is ready to meet that growth with exceptional experiences and genuine hospitality.”
Newly elected Lord Mayor of Newcastle Gavin Morris said the Awards highlighted the enormous contribution hospitality and tourism businesses make to the city’s culture, vibrancy and economy.
“Hospitality and tourism are at the heart of what makes Newcastle such a dynamic and welcoming place to live, work and visit,” Cr Morris said.
“Our local businesses, operators and industry professionals create experiences that not only attract visitors but also strengthen community pride and support jobs across the region. These Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the passion, professionalism and hard work that underpin Newcastle’s growing reputation as a leading destination.
“I congratulate all finalists and winners for their outstanding achievements and thank them for the contribution they make to our city every day.”
Naming rights sponsor Prosperity Advisers Group said supporting the Awards reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the success of the local visitor economy.
“We are incredibly proud to support the Prosperity Advisers Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards and to celebrate the businesses and individuals helping shape the future of our region,” said Prosperity Advisers founder and CEO Allan McKeown.
“Hospitality and tourism businesses are a major driver of economic activity, employment and investment across Newcastle and the Hunter. Through our work with clients across the sector, we see firsthand the commitment, innovation and resilience required to succeed in this industry.
“Congratulations to all finalists and winners. Their achievements are a testament to the strength of our visitor economy, and we remain deeply invested in supporting the continued growth and success of local hospitality and tourism businesses.”
Prosperity Advisers 2026 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards Finalists:
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
Our supporters:
The NTIG committee would like to thank our naming rights sponsor Prosperity Advisers Group, our category sponsors and supporters. Without them, the Awards would simply not be possible.
