Media release The Hon Louise Asher MP Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister for Tourism and Major Events Minister for Employment and Trade Monday 11 November 2013 *EMBARGOED UNTIL 9PM MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER
2013 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards The who’s who of the tourism industry has recognised excellence at the 29th RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher said the awards, presented at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition overnight, were a key indicator in measuring the industry’s continued growth and success. “The tourism awards celebrate business excellence and recognise outstanding achievements in the Victorian tourism industry. “I congratulate the superb efforts of all winners to help sustain a tourism workforce of over 200,000 and contribute to the State’s $19 billion tourism industry, Ms Asher said. “The Coalition Government has been instrumental in driving innovative marketing campaigns including Open up to More- Melbourne launched last year which has generated significant social media awareness in China. “I recently launched Melbourne Remote Control Tourist, which generated global exposure. We’ve also been promoting regional Victoria in interstate markets so it’s these types of initiatives that ensure our tourism industry grows into the future,” Ms Asher said. She said there were over 90 entrants across 32 categories for this year’s awards, with submissions reaching a very high standard. Highlights of the awards include: Melbourne Zoo, winner of Major Tourist Attractions Victoria Racing Club, winning Major Festivals and Events Central Deborah Goldmine, winning Heritage and Cultural Tourism Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, winning Business Tourism Grampians Tourism, winning Destination Marketing Visit www.premier.vic.gov.au for more news
RACV Cobram Resort, winning the Tourist and Caravan Parks award Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, Luxury Accommodation Kryal Castle Adventure Park and Resort, winning new Tourism Development Moonraker Dolphin Swims, being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Ecotourism Mr Craig Opie was named winner of the Qantas Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Three businesses were inducted into the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning their category for three consecutive years. They are Moonraker Dolphin Swims, Blue Moon Cottages and RACV Inverloch Resort. The winners will now represent Victoria at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney in February next year. For a full list of winners and finalists visit www.victoriantourismawards.com.au
Media Contact: Russ Street 0498 220 005 russ.street@minstaff.vic.gov.au
Visit www.premier.vic.gov.au for more news