Ballarat venues win at Vic tourism awards

SOVEREIGN Park Motor Inn has taken home gold in the four-to-four-and-a-half-star accommodation category at the Victorian Tourism Awards.

Operator Tim Canny said the win was unexpected, as the motel was a finalist among larger chains such as Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza.

“We’re super proud of our staff and our team with all the work that the do and it comes off the back of winning motel of the year at the AHA awards in August,” he said.

“It cements ourselves as a very high-quality product which looks after guests in an exceptional way.

“We have a real people focus; we are really big on creating and supporting a really good culture.”

Mr Canny thanked Tourism Midwest for the support for the local tourism business community.

“Tourism Midwest Victoria give us opportunity, they have supported us in our applications and submissions for these awards,” he said.

“They provide great industry strengthening programs and assistance.”

Other local winners included Sovereign Hill, which was named best in the state in the accessible tourism category.

This is the outdoor living museum’s second consecutive year winning the award which recognises work undertaken to boost accessibility such as improved wayfinding, sensory-friendly programming, upgraded pathways, accessible panning, Auslan-supported events, and enhanced digital guides.

“Accessibility sits at the heart of our visitor experience, and this award recognises the work our teams do every day to make our museum welcoming and inclusive for everyone,” Sovereign Hill CEO Sara Quon said.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in accessible tourism in Victoria, and this recognition strengthens our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating experiences that all visitors can enjoy.”

Hotel Vera was awarded silver in hosted accommodation while Kryal Castle took home bronze in the tourist attraction category and in the major tourist attraction division, Ballarat Wildlife Park was highly commended.

Tourism Midwest Victoria’s brilliantly unexpected campaign won bronze in tourism marketing and campaigns.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s finalists, each of whom continues to set the standard for excellence in tourism and help shape our region as a standout destination for visitors,” Tourism Midwest Victoria chair John Pandazopoulos said.

“These awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of our tourism operators who work tirelessly to deliver unforgettable experiences that keep people coming back time and time again.

The award ceremony was held last week, and the annual awards are organised by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council to celebrate excellence within the industry.

There were 99 finalists across 29 categories, and the gold winners will progress to the Australian Tourism Awards in 2026.