Several Byron Shire businesses have been recognised at the 2025 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards, highlighting the region’s contributions to the local and regional visitor economy.
The awards ceremony, co-hosted by Byron Shire Council and Destination North Coast, celebrated businesses that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and positive community and environmental impact within the tourism sector.
Among the recipients, First Sun Holiday Park was awarded Gold in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category.
The park, which is owned by Byron Shire Council and managed by Belgravia, was acknowledged for its commitment to quality and the visitor experience.
“Congratulations to the team from Belgravia, who manage First Sun, for their dedication to quality and visitor experience. This award is a reflection of their hard work,” said Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye.
Other Byron Shire winners included Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens (Gold in Tourist Attractions), Let’s Go Surfing (Silver in Adventure Tourism), and Cape Byron Kayaks (Bronze in Adventure Tourism).
The awards also recognised Peter Noble and the Bluesfest team with a Hall of Fame induction for their long-standing influence on Byron’s cultural and economic landscape.
Mayor Ndiaye emphasized the role tourism plays in the broader health of the region.
“We must always keep locals and the environment at the heart of this conversation because a successful tourism industry depends on a healthy, vibrant community and the protection of the natural places people come here to experience,” she said in a press release.
First Sun Holiday Park and Suffolk Park Holiday Park—both owned by the Council—serve as key visitor entry points and are considered important contributors to local employment.
Mayor Ndiaye noted that not all residents are aware of the Council’s ownership of these parks and their role in sustaining the tourism infrastructure.
The awards followed the 2025 Regional and Remote Music Summit, which was held in Byron Shire earlier this year and brought together musicians, promoters, and policymakers to discuss the role of music in regional communities.
The region’s cultural calendar continues with the Byron Writers Festival, taking place this week in Bangalow. “It’s another example of how the Shire continues to inspire, inform, and bring people together,” Mayor Ndiaye said.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, the recognition of a Council-managed holiday park such as First Sun offers a case study in public-private management models and their role in delivering quality guest experiences.
It also reflects the broader value of integrating cultural, environmental, and community priorities into tourism operations.