The upcoming summer season is Wolgan Valley Eco Tours' busiest time.
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In the lead-up to the season, the team was thrilled to be awarded a bronze gong in the annual NSW Tourism Awards in the Ecotourism category.
Owner and founder Kristie Kearney, who attended the awards ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney with her husband, John, said the calibre of the finalists was very high and she was thrilled to be recognised with a bronze award.
"It highlights to me that we are doing the right thing and that what we're doing is working in terms of ecotourism - sustainable and responsible tourism."
The award reinforced the Lithgow region's potential as an ecotourism hot-spot, Mrs Kearney said.
She said, while eco-tourism was relatively new in the region, it had huge potential, with up to two-thirds of the region made up of National Parks and State Forest areas.
"It is a big draw card for many people who want to avoid the crowds in the Blue Mountains, the really crowded areas like Katoomba and Blackheath," she said.
"Receiving bronze highlights we have something pretty special here."
She hoped people would continue to take the opportunity to explore their natural environment this summer.
"It's a good time to get outdoors, to take bushwalks and wildlife tours and experience nature," she said.
The company will operate every weekend during the summer and would cater for family groups or the more experienced walker.
Operating within the Wollemi National Park area, Mrs Kearney said they were keeping a close eye on the Gospers Mountain fire developments.
"The areas we operate in haven't been impacted as yet," she said.
They would continue to liaise closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, she said.
NSW Tourism Awards recognises businesses which exemplify quality tourism, providing leadership in innovation, marketing and in the delivery of quality products and services.
Seventy-five award winners were announced in a range of categories including major tourist attractions, festivals and events, destination marketing and accommodation. With 124 finalists in 2019, each winner was selected by an independent judging panel for their exceptional contribution to the NSW Tourism Industry.
The Ecotourism awards went to: Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay (Gold); Sydney by Kayak, Lavender Bay (Silver) and Wolgan Valley Eco Tours (Bronze).
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