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Tourism industry leaders and luminaries awarded by Victoria
A GOLDMINE, a zoo, hot springs, winemakers, turf racing and a Space Hotel were among the winners at the 2013 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards presented this week.
"These awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the Victorian tourism and events industry and they highlight the outstanding visitor experiences our state has to offer," said Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) chief executive Dianne Smith.
VTIC highlighted the versatility and calibre of Victoria's tourism product that the judges had to consider. Ms Smith congratulated winners of the Victorian Tourism Awards, announced at a gala ceremony at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on November 11.
VTIC particularly recognised industry stalwart Craig Opie, winner of the Qantas Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. Mr Opie is a long-standing supporter and driver of tourism in Victoria, particularly through his work with a predecessor to VTIC, the Victorian Tourism Operators Association (VTOA).
"We are proud of all winners and nominees and the valuable contribution they make to our important sector," Ms Smith said.
"As well as attracting strategic investment and enhancing social wellbeing, the Victorian tourism industry contributes $19.1 billion to our state's economy each year and generates employment for more than 200,000 Victorians."
VTIC worked with Tourism Victoria to deliver preparatory workshops throughout the state, equipping tourism operators with knowledge of how best to prepare a nomination.
"Pleasingly, 150 industry members attended this year's workshops, demonstrating the prestige of the Victorian Tourism Awards," Ms Smith said.
"VTIC also provided a Victorian Tourism Awards Mentor Program and acted as a judge in some of the 32 categories."
2013 RACV Victorian Tourism Award winners were:
Blue Moon Cottages - Standard Accommodation and inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning its category for three consecutive years.
Melbourne Zoo - Major Tourist Attraction.
Peninsula Hot Springs - Tourist Attraction.
Victoria Racing Club - Major Festivals and Events.
Central Deborah Goldmine - Heritage and Cultural Tourism.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre - Business Tourism.
Leisure Options - Specialised Tourism Services.
Frankston Visitor Information Centre - Visitor Information and Services.
Grampians Tourism - Destination Marketing.
Searoad Ferries - Major Tour and/or Transport Operators.
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf - Luxury Accommodation.
The Enchanted Maze Garden - Adventure Tourism.
Kryal Castle Adventure Park and Resort - New Tourism Development.
Crown Melbourne - Tourism Education and Training.
Fowles Wine - Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries.
Space Hotel - Backpacker Accommodation.
Friends of Flagstaff Hill - Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers.
Brett Ince from Geelong Otway Tourism - Young Achiever Award.
RACV Cobram Resort - Tourist and Caravan Parks.
RACV Inverloch Resort - Deluxe Accommodation and inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning its category for three consecutive years.
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