Champions of Tourism 2026

Champions of Tourism 2026 will be held during the Off Season, encouraging the tourism industry of northern Tasmania to embrace the winter night and join us for an exclusive pre-launch peek of the new cellar door and restaurant at Small Wonder Wines.

Thursday 27 August 2026 is the date to mark in your calendar for this exclusive event. Get your tickets early as numbers are strictly limited and while we always do our best to accommodate everyone, this year once tickets are sold out there will be no wiggle room to add more. Sign up to our monthly newsletter so you don't miss notification of when tickets go on sale.

Champions of Tourism 2026 is proudly presented by Visit Northern Tasmania with support from our valued event sponsors. Celebrating northern Tasmania's tourism industry and those who deliver an outstanding visitor experience, Champs is a great opportunity to reconnect with peers, meet new people and share in the excitement of the category nominees, finalists and winners. In the lead up to August we will call for nominations, take a look at the award categories below and start thinking about who you will nominate.

1. Event Organiser Extraordinaire - sponsored by Events Tasmania

That one person who works, drives, inspires and excites everyone around them so your local event goes off with a bang!

2. Local Leader - sponsored by Launceston Airport

A leader to whom all can aspire, someone who leads by example and demonstrates their commitment with meaningful action. They may lead a team, a community or simply light the way forward with advocacy or action to enhance the tourism industry and visitor economy.

3. Service Wizard - sponsored by Hospitality Tasmania

We all love receiving great customer service. This award recognises that person who provides the best experience to our visitors.

4. Standout Food Ambassador - sponsored by Gastronomy Northern Tasmania | NTDC

This person creates and or shares innovation of food. Their exceptional knowledge showcases the very best in local produce and their expertise gives our foodie visitors an outstanding tourism experience.

5. Agritourism Guru - sponsored by Optimum Standard

An exceptional individual leading the way in agritourism, setting the standard and helping others to achieve their agritourism aspirations by sharing their experience and knowledge.

6. Sustainable Legend - sponsored by TICT

Someone with enduring commitment to sustainable practices, who has created or is creating a framework for others to learn from and adopt. This legend will leave their mark with a legacy that lives long into the future for our younger generations to enjoy.

7. Accessibility Advocate - sponsored by Moxxi Property

An individual that demonstrates exceptional commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors. Going above and beyond to ensure their services, facilities, and experiences are accessible to individuals with diverse needs, contributing to Northern Tasmania’s reputation as a destination that values every traveller.

*Operator/business/individual must be working/located in the region of Northern Tasmania defined by the following council areas: City of Launceston, West Tamar, George Town, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands, Dorset, Flinders Island. Nominations for businesses that are outside of these regions will be excluded from consideration.

EVENT ORGANISER EXTRAORDINAIRE - Sponsored by Events Tasmania

Winner

Furneaux Collective

Finalists

Emily Rose Wills | George Town Council

Charlotte Wright | Launceston Central

SERVICE WIZARD - Sponsored by Hospitality Tasmania

Winner

Michelle du Preez | Verge Hotel Launceston

Finalists

Nicola Dustautoy | Tamar Valley Resort

Alfred Gude | Tamar River Cruises

Bronya Dance | Meander Valley Vineyard

LOCAL LEADER - Sponsored by Launceston Airport

Winner

Taylor Clyne Smith | Blue Derby Foundation

Finalists

Paul Seaman | Peppers Silo Hotel

Matt Adams | Timbre Kitchen

ACCESSIBILITY ADVOCATE - new category! Sponsored by Moxxi Property

Winner

Rexie Grey | Seahorse World

Finalists

Curly Haslam Coates | Launceston Distillery

Niel Mason | Hotel Verge

STANDOUT FOOD AMBASSADOR - Sponsored by Gastronomy Northern Tasmania

Winner

Joel Houghton | Springfield Deer Farm

Finalists

Jordan Guy | Havilah

Matt Adams | Timbre Kitchen

AGRITOURISM GURU - Sponsored by Optimum Standard

Winner

Tiana & Simon Fullbrook | Mabel's Paddock

Finalists

Elizabeth Mahnken | Summerlea Farm

Liam & Lesley Richards | Little Things Farm

SUSTAINABLE LEGEND - Sponsored by TICT

Winner

Tara Howell | Blue Derby Pods Ride

Finalists

Kim Forge | Currawong Lakes

Jenn Heggarty | Oz Harvest