- Published:
- Tuesday 17 November 2015
Victorians who are working hard to grow our tourism and provide memorable experiences to visitors have been recognised at the 2015 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren last night paid tribute to the 80 Victorian businesses recognised for their contribution to making Victoria’s tourism the envy of the nation.
Tourism contributes $21 billion to the state’s economy and generates jobs for 206,000 Victorians. That’s all thanks to those who operate our wineries, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions - selling everything our state has to offer.
From Melbourne’s cosmopolitan culture to our regions’ unique charms, Victoria has something for everyone and the best of everything. Among last night’s winners were caravan and holiday parks, wineries and the world-renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Additionally, seven businesses were inducted into the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning an award for a third-straight year.
The Andrews Labor Government is working hard to give our tourism operators and small businesses the support they need to grow. The Labor Government recently unveiled Visit Victoria, the state’s new entity charged with growing the important industry, and has committed an additional $80 million towards Victoria’s events war chest.
The Labor Government will invest $3 million in the most ambitious regional marketing campaign in our state’s history, while Brand Victoria will help sell our strengths as Victoria competes for trade and investment, tourism, migration, major events and education.
Highlights of the 2015 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards and a list of the Hall of Fame inductees can be found on the next page.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Victoria is an incredible tourism destination, but it’s our hard-working tourism operators who ensure visitors from interstate and abroad leave with great memories and smiles on their faces.”
“Tourism contributes $21 billion to Victoria’s economy and that in large part, is driven by the dedicated and hardworking people in the industry.”
Highlights of the 2015 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards
Highlights of the 2015 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards included:
- Sovereign Hill – Major Tourist Attractions award
- 2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Major Festivals and Events award
- Bendigo Tramways – Cultural Tourism award
- Wine Food Farmgate – Destination Marketing award
- BIG4 Beacon Resort – Caravan and Holiday Parks award
- Drift House – Luxury Accommodation award
- Y Water Discovery Centre – New Tourism Business award
- Green Olive at Red Hill – Excellence in Food Tourism award
- Kathryn MacKenzie – Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
- Matthew McDonald – Young Achievers award
RACV Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame inductees:
- Space Hotel
- Crown College
- Stillwater at Crittenden
- Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing
- Searoad Ferries
- Leisure Options
- The Melbourne Cup Carnival