Introduced in 2022, The Chair of Judges' Award for Positive Impact Tourism is unique to the Tasmanian Tourism Awards.

Positive impact is the underlying theme of Tasmania's 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy; thus this special award aims to acknowledge the best examples of positive impact tourism from all tourism awards submissions (not just category winners).

Recognising action, leadership and purpose to contribute to a positive impact, the award considers how we do tourism better and how we can make a positive contribution to the Tasmanian environment, community and way of life.

Each Awards Judging Team Leader is asked to nominate a submission, and from this list the Chair of Judges selects their top 3 finalists and then ultimately a winner.

Past Recipients of the Award include:

• 2024 - The Unconformity

"The Unconformity has demonstrated a single-minded drive and pride in positively impacting its communities, audiences and environment. The event has been strategically developed to drive economic wealth and social well-being for the Queenstown community.

An emphasis on sustainable practices reflects a conscious effort to minimise their carbon footprint.

The Unconformity’s strong social responsibility is evident through initiatives that foster broad community participation and local employment.

Their ethical commitment includes ensuring the palawa people’s connection to their place is celebrated and that the unique West Coast community and their values are reflected.

The festival is a major economic driver with direct visitor spend, employment for locals, buying from local business and extensive marketing, all contributing significantly and providing a major positive impact."

• 2023 - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

"Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to being environmentally, socially, economically and ethically responsible in word and deed, has resulted in Pennicott Wilderness Journeys delivering a Positive Impact which has benefited local communities and the environment.

Innovation in virtually all sections of the business has been the hallmark of its Positive Impact. This includes reductions in power and fuel usage, 100% carbon offset through native tree planting, education of visitors to respect special places and wildlife, fisheries research, the Good Water project on Hobarts waterfront, and the work of the Pennicott Foundation in weed removal from several Tasmanian islands."

• 2022 - Spring Bay Mill

"By upcycling a former woodchip mill to become a sustainable events venue, not only has Spring Bay Mill reduced negative impacts on the environment but has also added new positive impacts by connecting sustainability with local business development.

Plantings to vegetate the site and an organic garden focussed on biodiversity and permaculture, have resulted in a healthy ecosystem which enables Spring Bay Mill to supply virtually all of its organic catering needs.

Spring Bay Mill also provides employment and education opportunities, traineeships and work experience placements for locals, and programs to re-vegetate other locations on the East Coast."