The Victorian Tourism Industry came together Thursday evening for another successful RACV Victorian Tourism Awards presented by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) and hosted by comedian and TV star Claire Hooper.
The tourism awards are a way for the Victorian tourism community to come together and reflect on their hard work and dedication to the industry over the past year. Even with much anticipation amongst the finalists, the night was full of good cheer and company.
“We love going into the awards, it’s a real celebration of what we do throughout the year and it’s a real celebration for the industry as well”
Hooper bantered through presenting more than 30 awards to finalists from every sector of tourism and nearly every tourism region in Victoria.
There were several big winners of the evening, including the Alexandra Hotel in, which was the only entrant to receive two gold awards for Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services and Standard Accommodation. While Bendigo’s four awards were the most won by a single town, Geelong and the Bellarine region and regional Melbourne won the most of any region with 5 each.
Four winners reached the VTA Hall of Fame: Skybus (Major Tour & Transport Operators), BIG4 Inverloch (Caravan & Holiday Parks), Parks VIC (Specialised Tourism Services) and Riverboats Music Festival (Festivals & Events).
Festival Director of the Riverboats Music Festival, David Frazer, reflected on how the VTA entrant process influenced the development of the festival over the past three years.
“[Applying for the award] has been invaluable,” said Frazer. “It really gives us the opportunity to reflect on our process; where we want the event to head in the long term…everything from our risk management to our marketing strategies to how we’re positioning ourselves in the broader landscape.”
Annie Jamieson, chief executive officer of Saxton Speakers Bureau and Saxton Engage, took home the award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual and Izabelle So, Visit Victoria, recognised with the Young Achiever Award.
RACV also let visitors have a say – Living Legends and Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park won the People’s Choice Award for Best Tourism Experience or Service and Best Accommodation, respectively.
YTN would like to congratulate all participants, winners and finalists – what an accomplishment – what a year!
[See the complete list of the 2019 RACV VTA finalists and winners here and view the photo gallery here.]
Written by: Olivia Salsbery
Olivia has experience in agency, non-profit, public and private communications. Her major focus has been on strategic digital communication, research and cause marketing. She has a bachelor of Arts (Public Relations and International Studies) and is currently studying her Master of International Sustainable Tourism. Connect with her on Linked In @oliviasalsbery.