Tourism Fellowship helps grow Australian Wine Tour Company

Chris Porter, a tour guide with the award-winning Australian Wine Tour Company, has won the 2006 Lynette Bergin Tourism Fellowship. 

Tourism Alliance Victoria presented him with the award at its annual general meeting on 24 October 2006.

The $8,000 Fellowship will assist Chris to undertake specialist Japanese language, as well as to build his knowledge of the Japanese market to support the expansion of the Australian Wine

Tour Company into this fast growing and competitive market.

Matt Noble, the company’s founder, said the Lynette Bergin Fellowship had come at a critical

time for the company and for Chris Porter.

“We’ve made huge progress since 1998 and are about to welcome our 50,000 visitor. Six months ago we determined that the next markets on our radar for direct market contact and wholesale development would be South East Asia, China and Japan,” said Mr Noble.

“Through the Fellowship, we will be able to develop the Japanese market more vigorously, thereby supporting our insurgence into the growing Asian market,” said Mr Noble.

Chris Porter has worked with the Australian Wine Tour Company for the past two years. Hired initially as tour guide/ driver, Chris is now more involved in the marketing arm servicing hotels, hostels and travel agencies.

The Lynette Bergin Fellowship is an industry funded annual award of up to $8,000.  The winner is able to apply the Fellowship funds to support an activity which provides both personal and business development benefits during the following year.

The fellowship seeks to promote skills and excellence among young people and new entrants into the tourism industry; and contribute to the continued development and growth of tourism.

To find out further information regarding the Fellowship including Application Form and Guidelines, go to the Member Only section of the website or contact Tourism Alliance on 03 9650 8399