Tourism operators and small businesses who help make Victoria one of the best places in the world to visit have been recognised at the 2017 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren congratulated the Victorian businesses who took out awards at last night’s celebrations.
Tourism is Victoria’s bread and butter – there is always something to see and do across all corners of our state.
Visitors from right around the globe continue to flock here and spend their valuable tourism dollars, keeping local cafes, bars and hotels busy.
Victoria’s tourism industry is now worth over $23 billion to our economy and creates around 210,000 local jobs.
This success would not be possible without those at the coal face who make our tourism offerings second to none.
Sovereign Hill once again struck gold, taking home first prize for the best major tourism attraction for the Goldfields region.
Despite only opening its doors late last year, Arthurs Seat Eagle won best new tourism business for its gondola lift, which showcases the best that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.
The Andrews Labor Government continues to back our local tourism operators and those outside our borders who want to do business in Victoria.
The Labor Government recently launched a major new tourism campaign with Visit Victoria, A Twist At Every Turn, to attract more interstate visitors. This is on the back of the Wander Victoria campaign encouraging Melburnians to holiday in regional Victoria.
This huge new tourism push will bring thousands of extra visitors to our city, suburbs and regions, which will create more business for tourism operators.
A list of highlights from the 2017 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards and the Hall of Fame inductees can be found below.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Victoria is high on the bucket list for tourists worldwide because of the hard work of those at the coalface of our tourism industry.”
“We wouldn’t be the World’s Most Liveable City without the hard work of the men and women running our wineries, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.”
“We’re getting it done, attracting more events and unforgettable experiences to Victoria – which means more visitors, more jobs and more business for our tourism operators.”
2017 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards highlights
Sovereign Hill – Major Tourist Attractions category
Australian Grand Prix Corporation – Major Festivals and Events category
State Library Victoria – Cultural Tourism category
Mount Hotham 'The True Spirit of Alpine Australia' – Destination Marketing category
BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park – Caravan and Holiday Parks category
Alkina Lodge – Luxury Accommodation category
Arthurs Seat Eagle – New Tourism Business category
Simply Tomatoes – Excellence in Food Tourism category
David Eaton – Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
Paul Beames – Young Achievers Award
2017 Hall of Fame inductees
Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula
Harmony Bed and Breakfast, Mornington Peninsula
All Seasons Houseboats, Mildura
Reviewed 19 August 2020