Clarence Valley Council and MidCoast Council have been recognised in the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, with both destination marketing organisations named finalists in the Tourism Retail, Hire and Services category.
Clarence Valley Council’s tourism team, My Clarence Valley, has also been named a finalist in the Cultural Tourism category, recognising its investment in cultural tourism alongside its sustainable approach to destination management and visitor experiences.
The recognition builds on My Clarence Valley’s success last year, when it won gold in the Tourism Retail, Hire and Services category before receiving bronze at the 2025 NSW Tourism Awards.
Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black said the nominations reflected work undertaken over the past 12 months to grow the visitor economy in a considered, community-led way.
“The nomination in the Cultural Tourism Category recognises the collaboration with Clarence Valley Culture to deliver the Clarence Valley Public Art Trail and promote the Plunge Arts & Culture Festival, elevating the region’s cultural identity as a genuine driver of visitation.” Black said.
“Our Tourism Retail, Hire and Services submission highlights the sustainable approach to destination management practices and the Visitor Information Outlets program, a collaboration with local businesses designed to connect visitors more meaningfully with the Clarence Valley,”
MidCoast Council was recognised for its destination brand, Barrington Coast, with the nomination highlighting the work of the Barrington Coast Visitor Information Centres in promoting the region and delivering quality visitor experiences.
MidCoast Council Executive Manager Sustainable Development Rachel Pleasant welcomed the recognition.
“This is an outstanding achievement that again demonstrates Destination Barrington Coast is on the right path,” she said.
“Tourism plays a vital role in our local economy and this recognition demonstrates the strength of our visitor offering and the dedication of those working across the industry.”
MidCoast Council is joined by eight other tourism operators from across the Barrington Coast among this year’s finalists: Amaroo Escape, Barefoot Boats, Discovery Parks Forster, Manning River Ferry Services, Mograni Creek Estate, Pacific Ocean Brewery, The Ridge Gloucester and What’s Beyond The Mile.
The Harwood Hotel has also been named a finalist in the Tourism Hospitality and Food Services category, recognising its longstanding contribution to the local community and visitor experience.
The North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, presented by the NSW Tourism Association in partnership with Destination North Coast, recognise excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship across the region’s tourism industry.
Winners will be announced at the North Coast Regional Tourism Awards gala at Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour on Thursday, 30 July.
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