CITY of Coffs Harbour has been named a finalist in the Tourism, Hire and Services category of the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards.
The recognition follows the launch of the Coffs Coast Explorer App and the installation of seven digital information kiosks across the Local Government Area.
“These innovative digital tools have significantly enhanced visitor engagement and access to local attractions, services, and information,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“The Explorer App, with its intuitive design and comprehensive listings, has experienced a remarkable increase in user downloads, with nearly 6,000 to the end of April.
“Feedback to the app has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Destination North Coast, in partnership with the NSW Tourism Association, has revealed the finalists across 11 categories in this year’s awards.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and gala dinner at Byron Bay on 31 July. After months of development, the Coffs Coast Explorer App was launched at the All One Under the Sun Festival last year at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
Created by the City and the Specialist Apps firm, the app provides an on-the-go and on-demand guide for foodie and nature experiences, events, heritage trails and Indigenous stories.
The City has also installed digital kiosks at The Clog Barn, Coffs Central, the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Sawtell RSL, Woolgoolga Visitor Centre, Nana Glen Idle In Cafe and Ulong Cafe in the Valley.
“Complementary to the app, the strategically placed kiosks provide accessible touchpoints for information, booking assistance, and emergency services – further streamlining the visitor journey,” City Acting General Manager Andrew Beswick said.
“The kiosks and app have contributed to an estimated 10 percent rise in extended visitor stays and a measurable boost in local economic activity.”
The City is a finalist in a category which recognises businesses that sell/provide goods or hire services which contribute to the tourism industry.
The contribution made to the tourism industry can be economical (eg retail, galleries), experience based (traditionally non-tourism specific experiences, eg shopping precincts) or service based (eg digital solutions for travellers or tourism businesses).
2025 Tourism Awards finalists: Aanuka Beach House, Ballina Shire Council, Barefoot Boats, Better By Bike, Cape Byron Kayaks, Clarence Valley Council, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, City of Coffs Harbour, Contained In Nimbin Accommodation, Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, ecoAsis, First Sun Holiday Park, Harwood Hotel, Invercauld House, Jacaranda Festival Grafton, Lets Go Surfing, LightNUp Inc, Mansfield Cottage Barrington, Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Park Beach Hotel Motel/Hoey Moey, Pipit, Port Macquarie Museum, Positive Energy Adventures & Retreats, Reflections Holidays, Soul Surf School Pty Ltd, Spare Chef Catering, The Belfry Guesthouse, The Health Lodge, The Tyalgum Hotel, and Tweed Tourism Company.
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