The 2018 Hawke’s Bay Tourism Award winners have been announced at a ceremony held at The Old Church, Meeanee. Black Barn Vineyards took out the top ‘Supreme’ Award, also winning the Accommodation Award in the large category and the Essence of Hawke’s Bay Award. Craggy Range took out the Accommodation Award in the small category, Napier Maori Tours received the Culture and Heritage Award, and Prinsy’s Tours and Church Road Winery were winners in the Visitor Experience category. The judged award categories were; Visitor Experience sponsored by Hastings District Council, Accommodation sponsored by Central Linen Service, Essence of Hawke’s Bay by the Napier City Council and new in 2018 – the Culture and Heritage Award sponsored by the Wairoa District Council. The Supreme Award winner was again sponsored by EIT, and was selected from the four category winners. Also acknowledged at the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Awards were two other individuals who have made significant contributions to our industry. Katie Nimon of Nimon Luxury Passenger Transport was recognised as Ambassador for Tourism in Hawke’s Bay, and Juliet Harbutt of Hunter Gatherer Tours received the Rising Star Award. Award winners: 2018 Supreme Award Winner: Black Barn Vineyards – Sponsored by EIT 2018 Accommodation Award Winner (small): Craggy Range – Sponsored by Central Linen Service 2018 Accommodation Award Winner: (large) Black Barn Retreats – Sponsored by Central Linen Services 2018 Visitor Experience Award Winner (small): Prinsy’s Tours – Sponsored by Hastings District Council 2018 Visitor Experience Award Winner (large): Church Road Winery – Sponsored by Hastings District Council 2018 Culture & Heritage Award Winner: Napier Maori Tours – Sponsored by Wairoa District Council 2018 Essence of Hawke’s Bay Award Winner: Black Barn Vineyards – Sponsored by Napier City Council Additional Awards Ambassador for Tourism in Hawke’s Bay: Katie Nimon of Nimon Luxury Passenger Transport Rising Star Award: Juliet Harbutt of Hunter Gatherer Tours Photo: Representatives from Black Barn Vineyards at the awards Posted: 6 September 2018