Two classy North-West accommodation venues have won gongs at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards in Hobart. The Cove - developed by Kim and Bruce Robinson near the Don Heads - was named the Unique Accommodation Award winner on November 17. The Ship Inn, at Stanley, won the 4-4.5-Star Accommodation Award. The Gorge Scenic Chairlift in Launceston won the Major Tourist Attractions Award. The Truffle Farm at Deloraine took the Excellence in Food Tourism Award and the operation's Anna Terry won the Tourism Minister's Young Achiever Award. There were 69 finalists in 23 categories, with the winners to represent the state at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin in March. Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Amy Hills said the standard at the awards was extremely high. "The Tasmanian Tourism Awards recognise innovation, excellence, quality and sustainability in tourism, while also providing a benchmark for industry best practice," Ms Hills said. "This year we've seen the best of the best, with gold medallists representing operators involved in festivals and events, tourist attractions, ecotourism and adventure, restaurants, wineries and distilleries, accommodation and many more." Premier and Tourism Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the finalists made an incredible contribution to the industry. "The ongoing success and strength of the industry is a credit to all the people working in it, helping to cement Tasmania as a must-visit travel destination," Mr Rockliff said. "A particular highlight this year are the five Tasmanian tourism businesses inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, having won the same award category for three consecutive years: Launceston's Junction Arts Festival Inc., Tasmanian Walking Company, wukalina Walk, Coal River Farm and Peppers Silo Hotel." The Gold Award winners were:
