Canberra region tourism winners revealed

The National Gallery of Australia was on Friday night named the major attraction of the year while outgoing Australian War Memorial director Dr Brendan Nelson was lauded for his individual contribution to the sector at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards.

The awards were presented at a black-tie dinner at the War Memorial.

Presented by the National Capital Attractions Association and supported by VisitCanberra, awards are regarded as the most prestigious event on the Canberra Region's tourism calendar.

Dr Nelson, who is due to step down from his role at the War Memorial at the end of the year, after seven years at the helm, was lauded by his peers, winning the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award.

Among the major winners were the National Gallery of Australia which won the award for Major Tourist Attraction, National Aboretum Canberra which won Tourist Attractions, and the National Museum of Australia

which won Major Festivals and Events for their exhibition Rome: City and Empire.

National Capital Attractions Association president Dr Naomi Dale praised the contribution of the tourism industry to the Canberra region.

"Our region is simply brimming with businesses and attractions that excel in their field in not only bringing visitors to Canberra, but giving them a premium visitor experience when they arrive," Dr Dale said.

The 1940s-themed event was attended by 300 guests from the tourism industry in the Anzac Hall. National category winners will now compete at the 2019 Australian Tourism Awards which will to be held in Canberra on March 6.

Canberra Region Tourism Awards Winners:

Major Tourist Attractions: National Gallery of Australia.

Tourist Attractions: National Aboretum Canberra.

Major Festivals and Events: National Museum of Australia - Rome: City and Empire.

Festivals and Events: Canberra Balloon Spectacular (Events ACT).

Cultural Tourism: Royal Australian Mint.

Specialised Tourism Services: GetAboutAble.

Visitor Information Services: Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.

Business Event Venues: National Convention Centre.

Adventure Tourism: Dynamic Motivation/Stromlo Shuttle Bus.

Destination Marketing: Destination Southern Highlands- 'Pie Time'.

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries: Shaw Wines.

Unique Accommodation: Jamala Wildlife Lodge.

Standard Accommodation: Leumeah Lodge.

Deluxe Accommodation: Little National Hotel.

Luxury Accommodation: Hyatt Hotel Canberra.

New Tourism Business: Book Canberra Excursions.

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual: Brendan Nelson.

Tourism Visitor Education: National Capital Authority.

Markus Gibson-Huck Young Achiever Award: Michael Liu - Dionysus Movement.