Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in the country, receiving the 2012 Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) National Travel Industry Award (NTIA) for Best Australian Hotel/Resort. Emirates Wolgan Valley was presented the Award at a gala presentation dinner in Sydney, attended by dignitaries and more than 900 of the industry\'s business leaders and members. The premier awards recognise the leaders in the Australian travel industry and acknowledge superior customer service, marketing excellence, business acumen and outstanding personnel. “The AFTA NTIA is one of the most significant awards we could be honoured with. Recognition from our industry peers is the highest acclaim and it is gratifying that our commitment and efforts to be a truly world-class Australian hotel have not gone unnoticed,” said Joost Heymeijer, General Manager, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa “The resort is over 10 years in the making and from the outset, Emirates made deliberate efforts to ensure it showcases the very best of Australia with an ethos for quintessential experiences, understated luxury, and a profound sense of place. \"This is an extraordinary achievement and one that Emirates is extremely proud and humbled to receive,” added Mr Heymeijer. A scenic three-hour drive from Sydney, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is nestled between two of Australia’s most prominent national parks and borders the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The resort itself occupies just two per cent of the 4,000-acre property, and combines the expectations of the high-end traveller with a commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability. For a complete list of accolades and awards Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has received since opening in October 2009, including acclaim from Condé Nast Traveller, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report, and The Leading Hotels of the World, visit www.wolganvalley.com AFTA is the peak body for Australia\'s travel agents, and represents the majority of travel agents in Australia.  Founded in 1957, AFTA\'s aim has been to stimulate, encourage and promote travel; and to uphold the interests of travel agents who form a vital part of Australia\'s highly specialised travel and tourism industry. From theemiratesgroup