Award to fund tourism study tour

A STAFF member from a local visitor economy lobby group has received an award from the Victoria Tourism Industry Council.

Madeleine Sawyer is the sustainable destination development officer at Tourism Midwest and has been given a grant that aims to help industry workers develop personally and professionally.

“Successful and sustainable destination development can have incredible benefits for local communities, but it’s not uncommon for tourism to be misunderstood,” she said.

“Passionate about the future of tourism here in Victoria, I’m delighted to be able to offer a fresh perspective for how we can use tourism development as a tool to empower communities and offer transformative experiences for visitors.

“I look forward to unpacking these best practice examples to help achieve similar outcomes locally.”

As part of her funded project, Ms Sawyer is set to visit New Zealand and Scandinavia to study and analyse their community-centric destination strategies.

Results from her visits could influence visitor economy recommendations to Victorian towns and cities.

Ms Sawyer said her role with new body, Tourism Midwest Victoria, brings her purpose, and opportunities for ongoing advocacy in the sector.

“Now, with the opportunity to complete this project, I hope to be able to share this with others to inspire an ethical, responsible, and conscious approach to the future of Victoria’s tourism industry,” she said.

Lynette Bergin Tourism awardees receive up to $10,000 to undertake study, with the employer receiving $2000.