Thursday, 5 October 2006

TOURISM BUSINESSES VIE FOR TOP HONOURS

More than 100 Victorian tourism businesses are vying for top honours at the Melbourne Airport 2006 Victorian Tourism Awards, Tourism Minister, John Pandazopoulos, said today.

“More than two thirds of entrants are from regional Victoria and all regions are represented - there has also been a 12 per cent increase in entrants this year,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

“I am delighted so many tourism businesses across the State have entered because it shows pride and confidence in your business and, importantly, confidence in the future.”

Mr Pandazopoulos said the Victorian Tourism Awards have been recognising innovation, creativity and professionalism in the State’s tourism industry since 1985. This year, there are 28 categories open to tourism businesses and two categories that honour the contribution of individuals.

“The awards will be held on 20 November at Crown, with the winners in each business category representing Victoria at the Australian Tourism Awards in New South Wales next year. This year we had a record six winners at a national level, equal with Queensland,” he said.

“The annual awards give the industry a boost by reinforcing the value of tourism to Victoria, highlighting the great experiences on offer and recognising the hard work of tourism operators.

“Victorian tourism is responsible for 159,000 jobs and $10.9 billion in economic activity - in our regions alone tourism provides 61,000 jobs and contributes $3.4 billion to the economy.”

The number of entrants in each region include Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges (five); Gippsland (11); Goldfields (five); Grampians (two); Great Ocean Road (15); Melbourne (26); Mornington Peninsula (six); Murray (six); Phillip Island (five); Victoria’s High Country (three);Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges (seven) and State wide - more than one region - (10).

For information about entrants in each of the regions, visit www.victoriantourismawards.com.au.

Judging is conducted by a panel of industry leaders and is overseen by the Chair of Judges, Steven Palombo from Melbourne Airport, and an independent auditor.

This year’s judging panel also comprises: Paul Matthews (Yarra Trams), Bindi Gove (Tourism Alliance Victoria), Kathryn Mackenzie (City of Greater Bendigo), Rachael Scicluna (Yering Station Vineyard), Tom Stafford (Ascot International), Julie Busch (Prahan Market), Michelle Campbell (MINC Communications), William Callan (EBM Insurance), Wendy Jones (Restaurant & Caterers Association of Victoria), Barbara Moss (Queenscliff Music Festival), Stuart Ord (Parks Victoria), Natalie Pickett (Southbound Australia), Andrew Copplestone (General Travel Group) and Nick Byrne (Tourism Victoria).

List of 2006 Awards entrants Tourism Awards Entrants 2006