Story Michelle Kearney
Local tourism operators will face off against the South Coast’s best at the South Coast Tourism Awards held in Nowra tonight (Wednesday, August 27).
There are 65 finalists nominated.
Among them are three Merimbula finalists; Munns Tower House who are nominated in the Unique category, Robyn’s Nest who will contest the Hosted Accommodation category and Best Western Seaspray Motel in the Standard category.
Munns Tower House was built in 1870 by Matthew Munn, as a wedding present.
It is a well known local landmark, and is National Trust listed as the last remaining historical residence in Merimbula.
For that reason holiday manager Rebecca Hardiman has entered it in the Unique Accommodation category of this year’s awards.
“The awards have come into line with the NSW awards this year so it is a totally new category for us,” Ms Hardiman said.
“It’s a big unknown and I’m not sure how we will go but it would be a great boost if we won.”
Munns Tower House was a finalist last year in the Real estate and holiday letting category.
“We opened in March last year so it was wonderful to make the finals after only three months and it was great to make them again this year in a new category,” she said.
Mrs Hardiman said Munns Tower House is truly a unique property and it would be great to have recognition for that.
“Recognition would be great not only for the house but for Merimbula and the whole South Coast.
“It puts us on the map and lets other people know what we have to offer,” she said.
Robyn’s Nest Boutique Resort in Merimbula has been nominated in the Hosted Accomodation category.
Owner Robyn Britten said this section is for people living onsite and is usually family oriented.
“We have either been a finalist or a winner since 2001 and I think people really appreciate the fact that they are staying in a place that has won awards,” Ms Britten said.
“Also it is a good judge for ourselves and our staff to know that what we are doing is working and we are on the right track.”
The applicants self nominate then are assessed by judges.
“They assess your property, visitors book and what you have to offer comprehensively,” said Mrs Britten.
“Then a panel of six independent people judge the final awards based on the data and your entry, dvds and photographs to make the final decision.”
The awards area has been extended this year to stretch from Wollongong to the Victorian boarder.
“It is a big area and these awards are a big deal, they are a forerunner for the State finals and to win one of those awards would be a huge boost for our area,” she said.
“It is all about getting exposure for the area because if people don’t know you are here then they won’t come and stay.”
Best Western Seaspray Motel is a finalist in the standard category for their three and a half star motel in Merimbula.
This is the first finals place for owners Robyn and John Kidd as they took over the motel two years ago.
Mrs Kidd said the finalist listing was great recognition of the hard work they and their staff have put in.
“We love doing what we are doing and it is good when people are happy with the service you are providing.
“We always get good feedback but the finalist nomination just reinforces that we are doing the right thing,” she said.
Mrs Kidd said they have received a lot of positive feedback from customers about how clean the motel is and how well they were treated by staff, and the different forms of accommodation available.
“It is a good property and everyone who stays here has said they would recommend us,” she said.
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