TAFE NSW has been announced as a finalist for the Best Registered Travel Industry Training Institution at the Australian Federation of Travel Agents National Travel Industry Awards.

Ann Thompson, TAFE NSW Hospitality teacher, was both excited and proud when she learned of the award.

"I believe being a finalist is very much recognition of our flexibility in how we deliver our courses and the quality of the training we provide our students through our teachers' industry experience and expertise," Thompson told the Lithgow Mercury.

Thompson knows how important the next generation of travel professionals is to the industry.

"We try to teach our students that tourism, travel, holiday parks and resorts, guiding, it's not a job, it's a career.

"We're providing our students across western NSW with training and opportunities that can change their lives, and we're thrilled that we've been recognised for this in such a prestigious, national award."

The winners will be announced July 22 at a special gala dinner at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.