News & Media

Record Success for Federal Group at Tourism Awards
On Friday night, the Federal Group celebrated its most successful year ever at the annual Tasmanian Tourism Awards. Tasmania’s largest tourism operator was awarded a total of six prestigious awards (and a ‘highly commended’ in another category), for achievements in industry excellence.

Federal Group’s tourism brand, Pure Tasmania, was the big winner on the night, with four of its related businesses taking out awards. And, Federal Group’s iconic entertainment property, Wrest Point, received two awards at the gala ceremony held in Hobart.

Tasmanian Tourism Award Winners

Henry Jones Art Hotel (Unique Accommodation)
Pure Tasmania (Tourism Marketing)
Wilderness Gallery (Specialised Tourism Services)
Gordon River Cruises (Tour/Transport Operator)
Wrest Point (Meetings & Business Tourism)
Wrest Point (Tourism Restaurants & Catering)

At the same ceremony, the Wilderness Gallery at Cradle Mountain Chateau was inducted into to the Tasmanian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning the Specialised Tourism Services category for the third year.

Meanwhile, the ever-popular Pure Tasmania property at Coles Bay, Freycinet Lodge, was Highly Commended in the state’s most competitive awards category, Deluxe Accommodation.

Commenting on Federal Group’s unprecedented success, the company’s Director of Tourism, Mr Bernard Dwyer, said

“To receive this number of awards, across such a broad spread of our businesses, is extremely satisfying. These successes recognize the hard work and commitment applied by a great many people to our dynamic Tasmania wide tourism strategy.”

In respect to the individual awards, Mr Dwyer added,

“It is so pleasing to see our Pure Tasmania brand and its associated businesses continue to evolve and achieve success. And it is equally satisfying to have our iconic entertainment property, Wrest Point, recognized for their high standards of excellence, after decades as an industry leader.”

“We were delighted to see the Wilderness Gallery inducted into the Tasmanian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame as this experience really does embody what Pure Tasmania is all about – unforgettable experiences in remarkable locations.”

The Federal Group’s six winning entries, and all other 2009 Tasmanian Tourism Award winners, will vie for Australian Tourism Awards against other state winners in February 2010.