Mr Baillie (left) with now retired South Coast Expo organiser Sylvia Franklin accept the 2008 South Coast Tourism Award in the Festivals and Events category from Minister for Tourism Matt Brown

CARAVAN and Camping Industry Association of NSW members were well represented in the recent South Coast Tourism Awards.

The area's camping and caravan industry was placed firmly in the limelight with no fewer than nine of them receiving recognition in the prestigious awards during a gala dinner at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in Nowra.

The awards cover the South Coast from Wollongong to Eden and are the highlight event for the region, recognising excellence in tourism carried out by South Coast tourism businesses and organisations.

Top award winner for the second year running in the festival and events category was the annual three-day South Coast Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo.

Broulee Beach Holiday Park's Kevin and Siggy Colwill with their Tourist and Caravan Parks category award

The expo draws about 15,000 visitors to the region to enjoy the entertainment and browse recreational vehicles, camping tents and equipment, holiday products and destinations.

CCIA chief executive officer Barry Baillie said his association was honoured to receive the accolade. "We are proud of the event and also proud to promote regional tourism by drawing more tourists into the Batemans Bay region during the show period," he said.

"The South Coast Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo is successful due to the efforts of organisers and exhibitors each year that showcase the best of the South Coast caravan and camping industry."

Mr Baillie said his association was pleased to see so many of its members recognised for their commitment to the region's tourism.

It was celebration time at the four-star BIG4 Broulee Beach Holiday Park which added yet another award to its growing collection.

The park's Kevin and Siggy Colwill told Caravanning News after receiving the top gong in the Tourist and Caravan Parks category: "We are now automatically a finalist in the State awards so this is very exciting for us."