Congratulations to Dr Kevin Lyons from the University's Faculty of Business and Law on being awarded in the category of 'Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Local Tourism' at the 2013 QantasLink Hunter and Central Coast Tourism Awards which were held at Wests New Lambton on 14 August.

This category is considered to be the major award among the 21 given on the night, and was one of only two that were given to an individual. The award recognises the extraordinary personal and professional achievement and contribution by an individual over many years to NSW regional tourism. Judges considered the particular activities and contributions of the nominee outside the expectations of normal employment.

Since 1997 Kevin has championed tourism education at the University of Newcastle and in the Hunter region. Over the years, Kevin has worked closely with the local and regional tourism industry to ensure the tourism courses available at the University of Newcastle help develop graduates who understand not only the global but also the local role tourism plays in the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the Hunter Region.