] The winners of the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards were announced last night (30 Nov 2023) at a black-tie gala dinner, with 8 local tourism operators taking out top prizes in their respective categories.
Hosted by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) at The Crown Palladium in Melbourne, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine’s Visitor Information Services clinched gold in the ‘Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers’ category.
“We are so proud of both the winners and the finalists for their remarkable contributions to growing Geelong and The Bellarine’s visitor economy,” said Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine Executive Director Tracy Carter.
“While we’ve always known just how special our local industry is, it’s incredibly satisfying to see our members recognised on a state level.”
The Geelong and Bellarine Visitor Information Services is comprised of 63 passionate volunteers, each dedicating a significant portion of their time to grow the local visitor economy and visitor experience. This year, five volunteers reached an incredible milestone with 30 years of service.
Gold Award and Hall of Fame Inductees included:
Geelong Gallery – Cultural Tourism
Searoad Ferries – Major Tour and Transport Operators
Gold Award Recipients included:
The Woods Ocean Grove – Self Contained Accommodation
Hop It – Tour and Transport Operators
Accessible Accommodation – Excellence in Accessible Tourism
Accommodation at Curlewis – 4 – 4.5 star Deluxe Accommodation
Kerry Williams – Outstanding contribution by an individual
Geelong & The Bellarine Visitor Information Service – Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers
Silver Award Recipients
Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow – Major Festivals & Events
Bronze Award Recipients
Higher Mark – Geelong Cats – Business Events Venues
Adventure Park – Winter Glow Festival – Festivals & Events
Finalists
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 – Major Festivals & Events
Go Ride A Wave Victoria – Adventure Tourism
Of the thirty-two categories, operators in Geelong and The Bellarine dominated eight of them.
“The region’s success at the Victorian Tourism Awards is great recognition for the high-class experiences and attractions we have to offer,” Mayor Trent Sullivan said.
“I’d like to make special mention of the Visitor Information Centre Volunteers for their win.
“Their dedication, some spanning over three decades with Team Tourism, has been instrumental in growing visitation in our region.
“If anyone is looking to connect with people and help to promote our beautiful region, then please consider volunteering with one of our Visitor Information Centres.”
Now in its 37th year, the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards were presented by VTIC in partnership with City of Melbourne, Visit Victoria, Melbourne Airport and Crown and were attended by nearly 1,000 guests.
View the full list of winners here.
