Owners Trevor and Joanne Kratzmann won the Standard Accommodation category for the Country and Outback region.

The Shearing Shed Motor Inn was awarded silver.

The Old Dubbo Gaol won silver in the Cultural Tourism category, missing out on the top prize to Nundle Woolen Mill.

The Dubbo Visitor Information Centre was a finalist in the Visitor Information Services section, however they missed out on taking home a prize in the competitive category. The gold medal was awarded to Mudgee Region Tourism.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

The Regional Tourism Awards, formally known as the Inland NSW Tourism Awards, are held every year to acknowledge excellence in tourism.

Entrants are made up of tourism businesses, events, marketing organisations, clubs and individuals all aiming for excellence in their industry.

Regional Tourism Awards winners will progress to the NSW Tourism Awards where they may then progress to the Australian Tourism Awards.

The Manera Height Apartment owners said they were over the moon with their win. Mr Kratzmann said it had been a huge surprise.

He said in the four years since taking over the apartments, he had been trying to focus on the tourism market, rather than only serving as accommodation for the hospital and TAFE.

Instead, Mr Kratzmann said they had been working with the local attractions in town to encourage visitors to stay in Dubbo longer.

Next on the agenda for Manera Heights Apartments is an expansion, he said. 

Mr Kratzmann said with four finalists, Dubbo had only a small representation at the awards compared to areas like Orange. He said he hoped more businesses would nominate themselves in the future.

“It’s a great chance to promote what you offer at your attraction and a great way to promote the area,” he said.

The Manera Heights owner said he was very grateful to the Dubbo Visitors Centre for all their help as well as to his staff for all the work they do.