The Port Arthur Historic Site is celebrating major wins at the 2013 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, announced in Hobart on November 8. The site, one of Tasmania’s most recognisable and visited destinations, was awarded as best Major Tourist Attraction and was also honoured with best Heritage and Cultural tourism experience. Port Arthur is delighted to have been recognised for its Restaurant and Catering services winning a silver medal in that category. As congratulations were imparted on social media networks, one person quipped, “We’ll give you another gold medal for feeding us so wonderfully through four smoky days in January!” PAHSMA Chair Dr Sharon Sullivan said the awards were well deserved recognition following a year of significant contrast, defined by both great promise and unforeseen challenges for the organisation. “PAHSMA, like many other tourism businesses, was beginning to reap the rewards of tough business decisions made during the GFC and prepare for a busy summer season as visitor numbers were on the rise when the terrible events of the January bushfires unfolded. Our staff was magnificent in the face of this challenge and it is wonderful to see the recovery of the entire community reflected in the steady flow of visitors to the region.” “Our conservation responsibilities remain challenging particularly with the restabilisation of the iconic Penitentiary building however with the dedication and professional expertise of our talented conservation staff, we are well on the way to realising this critical project. We are also very appreciative of the support of Minister Wightman, and both the State and Commonwealth Government.” “On behalf of the Board I thank and congratulate all PAHSMA staff on the hard work that has won these awards, and on behalf of everyone at PAHSMA, extend our congratulations to all winners and finalists in what was an extremely competitive field at the Awards.” The 2013 Tasmanian Tourism Awards were selected by a panel of 29 judges with experience in the Tasmanian tourism and related industries. An impressive field of 96 finalists across 25 categories made up the competition. Tasmanian winners go on to represent the State at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards, to be held February 7^th 2014 in Sydney. This process allows star Tasmanian products to gain National recognition.