THIRTEEN local businesses will represent the Eyre Peninsula tourism industry at the 2012 South Australian Tourism Awards in November.
Local businesses from charter operators to restaurants and accommodation entered this year's awards, which had a record 166 entries.
Adventure Bay Charters won the 2011 award for adventure tourism, and owner Matt Waller said the award win had been a major marketing coup for the business.
"It's just a constant reminder over the last 12 months that we are good," he said.
"For the general tourist, they would be able to put a bit of stock on it (the award)."
Mr Waller said if the business were to win the adventure tourism award again this year, Adventure Bay Charters would be inducted into the hall of fame.
"That would be great," he said.
"We can only hope."
The local businesses that will compete are the awards on November 23 are: 2012 Qantaslink Tunarama Festival, Adventure Bay Charters, Bay 10 Accommodation, Calypso Star Charters - One Day Shark Cage Diving Charter, Del Giorno's Cafe Restaurant, Eyre Peninsula Farmers & Fishermens Market, Modra's Apartments, Port Lincoln Hotel, Southern Blue Apartments, Southern Blue Events, Swim With The Tuna, Tanonga Luxury Eco Lodges and Tumby View 2012 Magazine.
South Australian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Ward Tilbrook said it was great to have so many businesses entering and highlighting the quality of the tourism industry in this year's awards.
"To have so many tourism businesses reviewing their achievements and showcasing their success highlights the quality and professionalism in our industry," he said.
"South Australia's tourism experiences are world class, providing exceptional experiences for visitors."
A new award for food tourism has also been introduced to this year's program to highlight the state's wineries, restaurants and food trails.
"We are leaders when it comes to outstanding food tourism experiences and while we are pioneering this award, we expect other states to follow our lead in the future," Mr Tilbrook said
