- Published:
- Saturday 11 April 2015
Victorian businesses have dominated the 2015 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, confirming the state’s claim as a renowned industry leader.
Nine Regional Victorian operators joined five Melbourne businesses on stage, as Victoria pocketed a total of 14 titles at the industry’s peak awards ceremony in Adelaide last night.
The Frankston Visitor Information Centre took out the Visitor Information and Services top prize, while the Enchanted Adventure Garden won the Adventure Tourism gong.
Riviera Nautica, at Metung, claimed the Unique Accommodation prize, and Drift House at Port Fairy collected the Luxury Accommodation award.
It was a particularly momentous occasion for the team dubbed “the friendly face of Frankston”, after the Frankston Visitor Information Centre was elevated to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame. The centre’s 2015 prize is its third-straight Gold Award.
From culinary treasures on the Mornington Peninsula to backpacker delights in Melbourne, Victoria’s tourism is the envy of Australia and the world.
It’s the reason why interstate and overseas visitors flock here all year round, and why the state is the major events capital. The Melbourne Cup Carnival – a major date on the state’s calendar of events – was among last night’s winners.
Tourism is Victoria’s second largest export, exceeded only by education. It generates 205,000 jobs and delivers more than $19 billion to the economy annually. The broader events industry provides around 4,700 full time equivalent jobs.
A full list of winners can be found at www.australiantourismawards.com.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“From hidden treasures in Regional Victoria to our best-known Melbourne icons, our winners are proof Victoria is leading the nation.”
“I was proud to see regional Victoria recognised for its strengths in the field. Tourism plays a key role in regional economies and that means jobs for regional Victorians.”
“I congratulate all our winners and encourage Victorians and visitors from interstate or around the world to go and see for themselves what makes these organisations stand out from the rest.”