The Sydney Royal Easter Show has won two prestigious titles at the 2008 NSW Tourism Awards, plus induction into the Hall of Fame.

The Show won Gold in the Major Festival or Event category for the third consecutive year and also won the inaugural People's Choice Award, alongside Sydney Bridge Climb. Organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), the Gold award win saw the Show inducted into the NSW Tourism Hall of Fame, an accolade presented only to those who win Gold three years running.

"We are thrilled to win such a prestigious award. It's truly wonderful to see the Show being acknowledged as one of the great events of its kind in the world," said Peter King, RAS Chief Executive. "But even more encouraging is the Show's win of the People's Choice Award," he said.

"This is great recognition from the people of Sydney as to how much the Show means to them and what a wonderful event it is for all of NSW and Australia." Close to one million people flow through the Show gates each year, helping bring economic benefits of more than AUD$500-million to NSW.

RAS President Glenn Dudley said not only does the Show unite Sydneysiders with country folk, but it also attracts a significant number of interstate and international visitors. "In recent years the RAS has turned its focus to a global audience, working closely with partners like NSW Tourism to successfully bring Australia's culture and agricultural achievements to the world stage," he said. The Show secured the title over finalists the 2008 Sydney Festival and the 2008 City V Country Festival of Football held on the South Coast.

The win will see the Sydney Royal Easter Show represent NSW at the Australian Tourism Awards on 27 February 2009 in Melbourne.