NORTH-West tourism shone on the red carpet last night as 14 winners were announced in the The Advocate Cradle Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
A range of accommodation, experiences, events and personal contributions to the tourism industry in North-West and Western Tasmania had the chance to stake a claim as the best in the business.

Cradle Coast regional tourism development manager Ian Waller said judges had their work cut out for them choosing just 14 winners from a large and exceptionally presented pool of candidates. “For a first up effort the number of entries received and the quality of them far exceeded any thing we had expected,” Mr Waller said.

The independent judging panel, lead by Rod Stendrup, took five weeks to assess the 60 entries received. Assessments included visits to accommodation, tourism experiences and operators entered in the awards plus a review of references.

Entries were open to all tourism and associated businesses located within, or actively operating in, the Cradle Coast region. Mr Waller said among the quality winners was an exceptional young woman who has continued championing the tourism industry. Stephanie Nissen, of the West Coast Visitor Information Centre has grown up with tourism in her blood. Last night she took home the Young Achiever award.

Mr Waller said in an industry traditionally made up of older people it was good to see a young person taking the lead. “Stephanie has found ways to work in the tourism industry in restaurants, on cruises at Strahan and at the visitors centre. She actively gets involved,” he said. Jason Clare, of the Circular Head Tourism Association, was awarded Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Local Tourism. “Jason is a tireless worker. He spends a lot of time away from home promoting the region,” he said.

Waine and Sharon Witbread took home the Contribution to Local Tourism award for their work in setting up the Wilmot Produce Market. Mr Waller said the market was a pillar of community inclusion and a drawcard to the area. The inaugural Awards were organised by the Cradle Coast Authority tourism team to recognise tourism excellence in the region and encourage participation in state and national competitions.

The winners were revealed at the 2010 QantasLink Cradle Coast Regional Tourism Forum dinner held in Ulverstone last night.