Exciting changes to the Australian Tourism Awards coming in 2025!
The Australian Tourism Awards program has undergone a significant review which will see a more streamlined and efficient submission process, while continuing to uphold the awards’ integrity.
The review incorporates industry feedback and a recognition of increased demands on business time and resources. Taking effect in 2025, the modernised questions allow entrants to better highlight the activities that really set them apart as a leader in the industry.
“As the Australian Tourism Awards celebrate its 40th anniversary, these updates will modernise the submission process and reflect the current industry climate where tourism operators and their staff are focused on delivering world class experiences in a dynamic, changing industry”, said Shaun de Bruyn, Chair of the Australian Tourism Awards.
“These changes signify that the Australian Tourism Awards will continue to reflect industry expectations and recognise and celebrate those individuals and organisations that demonstrate innovation and business excellence,” said Mr de Bruyn.
“Tourism businesses and their staff are the backbone of our industry, and it’s fantastic to see the nation’s most prestigious tourism awards program implementing changes that will provide meaningful benefits to both businesses and their teams,” said Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism.
All changes will take effect nationally, meaning 2025 award submissions from each State and Territory can expect to follow this new process and enjoy these changes. The changes to the Australian Tourism Awards program are supported by the Australian Government through Austrade’s Quality Tourism Framework Grant Program.
What has changed?
Revitalised questions
With an increased focus on business sustainability, the questions have been updated, and the format updated to guide entrants through the submission process.
Historically, the free form nature of the submission process has encouraged entrants to include information and detail beyond the requirements of the questions. The questions have been simplified and refined to ensure submissions provide the most relevant information, making it easier for entrants to clearly understand what is being asked.
Reduced word count
Submissions can now be between 4,000 and 7,500 words in total. This is a significant reduction from the previous 10,000 words, with the change to questions comfortably accommodating this word count reduction.
Sustainable approach to recognising excellence
These changes are designed to make the awards submission process more sustainable and manageable for entrants. By modernising the questions, reducing the word count, and streamlining the overall process, entrants can more efficiently convey to judges why they deserve recognition for their business excellence.
