Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Awards close and submissions due?
You can nominate at anytime from 18 June up until the closing date on 6 November. Submissions are also due on Friday 10 November.
Is there a timeframe that answers must fit to?
Yes. Your responses must relate to the timeframe stated in each question. The qualifying period is 1 November 2022 to 1 November 2023.
What is the entry process?
The Awards entry process is simple and user-friendly with all questions answered online through our awards portal, which you can access 24/7 at your convenience. The judging process has been created to ensure an equal playing field for all nominees.
Once nominations are open then you’ll be able to go to the Enter Now page where you will find a list of the categories and a link to start the nomination process. Choose the category or categories you wish to enter. Enter three or more categories and you will receive a discount. Once you click through to start then you will be asked to complete some basic nominee and billing information before making payment.
Are there finalists and winners?
You bet! All nominees who score above benchmark will be named as finalists in 2023. We are also introducing State Winner Awards (for the highest scoring submission from each state and territory). In addition, entrants in each national category have the chance to win a Gold, Silver or Bronze National Award AND the nominee with the overall highest score across all categories will be named the Best of the Best in Australia for that year.
Are there fees?
There is an Administration Fee, with significant discounts for nominees who register early or in three or more categories. Entry fees help cover some of the significant costs associated with the online awards portal licence, administrative costs and judging-related expenses. The fee is the same as 2022: $349 + gst.
How can we pay?
Payment is via credit card or bank transfer through the online portal as part of your registration process. Once payment has been received you will automatically receive a Tax Invoice and will be directed to the online awards platform. A confirmation with the relevant link will be sent to the email address provided. Take care to save and file this link as you will require it each time you login to the online portal.
Will we be disqualified if we enter the wrong category?
You must endeavour to submit in the correct category, and the Awards managers will check all entries before judges gain access. However, we understand mistakes occur sometimes, and so the Award managers reserve the right to change a nominee's category if the nominee has entered a category that they are not eligible to enter.
How will our submission/s be judged?
Judges with tourism expertise will assess each submission. They will have completed Non-Disclosure and Conflict of Interest statements before the judges commence assessment. An audit will then be conducted to ensure that the results are without miscalculation and above censure. All scores will remain private and confidential. Judges are once again experienced tourism and travel professionals.
How long does the answer need to be?
Once you nominate then you’ll be directed to the online entry platform. At the bottom right corner of each question you will see the maximum number of characters for your response. Spaces are counted as characters. You can see your progress as the first number shows how many characters you have typed, while the second number shows how many are permitted. To make the most of the opportunity, include as much pertinent information as possible within the character limit. (Note: Words average 5 characters, so 500 characters = approximately 100 words plus spaces. This is a guide only.)
Do we have to start and finish our submission in one session?
No. You can start your submission and come back to finish it any time – or as many times as you wish - before the closing date. At the end of each session make sure you hit the “Save as Draft” button. Do not hit the "Submit" button until you are ready to complete your entry and submit it.
How will we know my submission has been received?
After hitting the "Submit" button you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you do not see that email come through then check your "junk" mailbox.
What should we do if we did not receive a confirmation e-mail after hitting the "Submit" button?
First, check your junk mail folder - the most likely problem is that your spam filter sent the e-mail there. If you don't find it in your junk mail folder, then please contact the Awards Managers for assistance.
Can we submit a few days late?
No. In the interest of fairness to all nominees, no late entries will be accepted.
Can we submit multiple entries?
Yes. Upon payment of the nomination fee you will be sent a link to the awards entry portal. Down the left hand column you will see the categories you have entered. You will need to submit an entry for each category.
Can we work on multiple entries at the same time?
Yes - one person can work on multiple entries. Once you have registered for multiple entries or categories, each time you login you will see a table of incomplete and completed entries. Click on the "Edit" button to continue working on an incomplete entry.
Cancellation Fee
You can cancel your entry and receive a refund up until 30 days before the submission due date. The amount you paid minus a $55 administration fee will be refunded. Refunds are not permissible within 30 days of the submission closing date, however entries within this period can be transferred to a different category or entity. Please contact us regarding any refunds and transfers.