Newcastle Tourism has celebrated the “best of the best” in the region at the 2025 Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards, with Hunt Hospitality taking two top honours.
The Newcastle Tourism Industry Group’s (NTIG) Awards were held at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club on Monday night, presenting winners across 12 categories in recognition of “exceptional talent, dedication and achievements”.
The weather was inclement, but the head of NTIG posed it was “befitting” of an industry that constantly battles change and strives to provide every guest with a memorable experience “come rain, hail or shine”.
“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.”
Tim Crakanthorp MP, state member for Newcastle was in attendance and highlighted the major economic contribution of the sector and its role in the government’s plan to grow the NSW visitor economy through investment in infrastructure and the night-time economy.
Newcastle welcomes 4.8 million visitors annually, who spend $16.4 million every day, with tourism providing 4.2 per cent of the region’s employment.
In the past year the NTIG’s membership has increased by 12 per cent and by 91 per cent in the past four years, and the collective effort is benefitting all involved.
“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,” says May.
Stephen Hunt’s eponymous group was honoured with two wins at the event, taking home Industry Support Partner of the Year and Employee of the Year, presented to Zoe Tuilotolava.
And just pipped by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s Paul O’Rourke, Hunt was runner-up for the major title of Industry Leader of the Year.
“These recognitions reflect our team’s deep commitment to supporting Newcastle’s hospitality and tourism sectors,” he says.
“We’re especially proud of Zoe, who’s been a driving force at The Kent for over a decade and recently became the venue’s first female licensee in over a century.”
FULL LIST OF 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)
