newy.com.au – Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton has been named Industry Leader of the Year at the 2026 Prosperity Advisers Newcastle Hospitality & Tourism Awards, recognising his role in supporting the growth of the Hunter’s visitor economy.
The annual awards, held on Monday night, celebrate the people, businesses and operators contributing to the region’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors.
Mr Horton said he was honoured to receive the award, but said the recognition belonged to the wider industry and the operators, venues, businesses and tourism professionals working to strengthen the Hunter’s appeal to visitors.
“This award is not so much about me or the airport as it is about the incredible tourism and hospitality operators we have across our region and the role they play in creating experiences people want to travel for,” Mr Horton said.
“The Hunter is home to world class events, accommodation providers, hospitality venues, authentic tourism experiences and passionate people who continue to raise the bar for visitors coming to our region.
“As Newcastle Airport continues to focus on improving connectivity for the region, I appreciate my role as CEO is to be a strong voice supporting regional tourism efforts and helping create new opportunities for local operators, businesses and communities.”
Mr Horton said collaboration across the sector had been important in positioning the Hunter as one of Australia’s leading regional visitor economy destinations.
“One of the great strengths of our region is how connected and collaborative the industry is. There’s a genuine willingness to work together to grow visitation and create positive outcomes for local businesses and communities,” he said.
Newcastle Airport is continuing to work with regional tourism organisations and the Hunter Joint Organisation in advocating for NSW Government funding for a coordinated Hunter Region Branding, Sales and Marketing Toolkit.
The proposed toolkit would build on the recently developed Hunter Global trade brochure by creating a broader independent, data-driven regional sales and marketing platform, including itineraries, sector research and sales strategies to support long-term inbound tourism growth across the Hunter.
Mr Horton said the award highlighted Newcastle Airport’s broader commitment to regional growth and to improving connections for tourism, business, major events and international visitors.
“Newcastle Airport is a platform for regional opportunity and my role is to ensure the rest of the State, Country and World sees this. Whether it’s tourism, business, major events or international connectivity, our role is to help support industries across the Hunter and make it easier for people to experience our region.”
