Destination marketing wins tourism gong

BUSINESS Events Geelong was judged one of the winners at this year’s Victorian Tourism Awards, taking home gold in the Destination Marketing category.

Sponsored by the RACV, the Victorian Tourism Awards showcase and recognise the state’s leaders in tourism excellence.

The awards encourage businesses to meet and strive to exceed industry standards and play an integral role in rewarding business excellence, innovation, industry professionalism, collaboration and initiative.

Business Events Geelong is the convention bureau for Geelong and the Bellarine, and assists meeting and conference organisers to source venues and suppliers for events in the region.

The organisation – a division of Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine – markets the destination as “offering easy access, stunning natural assets, incredible venues, quality accommodation and local support services” and “excelling as a year-round destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE)”.

“We were thrilled to receive this award and will continue to strengthen Geelong and The Bellarine region as a premier place to hold a business event,” Business Events Geelong convention bureau manager Mark Day said.

“Winning this award in such a broad category highlights the importance of the business events industry, which are worth a staggering $10.8 billion to the Victorian economy.”

Yarra Ranges Tourism was awarded silver in the category, while the Greater Shepparton City Council was awarded bronze.

Business Events Geelong is now in the running to win the national award, which will be announced at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards being held in Launceston in March 2019.