Gold at Australian Tourism Awards

Why It Matters: Being recognized at a national level is a humbling reminder of our team’s dedication to creating meaningful experiences, whether it’s our sunrise flights or our new Accessible Hot Air Balloon Flights over the Hunter Valley. This achievement encourages us to keep working towards our mission of making ballooning a special and accessible adventure for everyone. You can learn more about the Australian Tourism Awards here, and feel free to check out our team’s trip to Adelaide!

The NSW Tourism Awards, organized by the NSW Tourism Association, acknowledge achievements in the state’s tourism industry, celebrating excellence across categories like attractions, tours, events, food, wine, and accommodation. 

Being awarded the Gold Award for Adventure Tourism for three consecutive years is a meaningful recognition for us, as it’s earned us a place in the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to providing memorable experiences for our guests. We’re grateful for this honor and the opportunity to continue sharing the joy of ballooning with others.

The Gold Award for Adventure Tourism at the NSW Tourism Awards is given to businesses that demonstrate a consistent commitment to providing memorable and safe adventure tourism experiences. This recognition highlights our focus on offering opportunities for people to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and explore unique destinations, all while maintaining high standards of safety and customer service. Winning this award is a reminder of the dedication we put into the following areas:

• Quality of the Experience: Striving to create enjoyable and safe adventures for our guests.
• Innovation: Offering unique and creative experiences that aim to leave a lasting impression.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensuring exceptional service and appreciating the positive feedback we receive.
• Sustainability: Continuing our efforts in responsible tourism with an emphasis on environmental impact and the well-being of local communities.

Why it matters: This award reflects our ongoing effort to create memorable and meaningful adventure experiences. From the peaceful sunrise take-off to the joyful toast after landing, we work hard to offer a journey that prioritizes safety, comfort, and beautiful views. Learn more about the NSW Tourism Awards here.

In 2024 we were awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Accessible Tourism. This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to make hot air ballooning more inclusive for everyone.

The award acknowledges the steps we’ve taken to ensure that guests of all abilities can enjoy this unique experience. With an accessible basket, all-terrain wheelchair, accessible shuttle bus with a wheelchair lift, designated parking, and staff assistance, we aim to make sure that everyone can participate in the adventure of a lifetime.

Why it matters: At Balloon Aloft inclusivity is a priority. Our efforts to make hot air ballooning accessible include a specially designed basket with a door for easy access and customized seating for passengers with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. The basket is equipped with two harnesses and grab handles for added safety and support. Additionally, an accessible shuttle bus ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. Passengers can also enjoy the adventure with up to 10 family members or friends, making it an inclusive experience for all. Learn more about the NSW Tourism Awards here.

Year after year, we’ve been fortunate to be recognized as a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner, and our induction into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame is truly a reflection of the kind feedback we’ve received from our guests. This recognition highlights the top 10% of experiences on TripAdvisor, all based on the wonderful reviews from our passengers. We are deeply grateful for your support and for allowing us to be part of your unforgettable journey.

Why it matters: These awards are a reflection of the experiences shared by our guests, and we’re honored to be able to consistently provide memorable and meaningful adventures. Flying with Balloon Aloft means joining a community of travelers who have trusted us to create special moments. Learn more about the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards here.

Balloon Aloft has been proudly Quality Tourism Accredited Business (QTAB) Accredited for over 10 years. The Quality Tourism Accredited Business Certification is a mark of excellence that demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards in safety, customer service, and business practices. This prestigious accreditation is granted to tourism businesses that meet rigorous criteria set by the tourism industry and demonstrate a continuous dedication to improvement in key areas such as operational standards, business ethics, and customer satisfaction.

Why it matters: The QTAB certification is a symbol of trust and reliability for customers. It assures guests that when they choose Balloon Aloft, they are booking with an operator who consistently meets or exceeds industry standards. The certification is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring every aspect of the customer experience, from booking to flight, is conducted with professionalism and integrity. The QTAB logo serves as a guarantee that we prioritize quality, safety, and customer care in all our services, providing guests with peace of mind that they are in capable hands. Learn more about the Quality Tourism Accreditation (QTAB) here.