Region celebrates four wins at Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

FOUR tourism operators from Geelong and surrounds have been lauded in this year’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

More than 180 leading tourism businesses gathered in Darwin for the announcement of the winners across 26 categories, showcasing excellence and innovation across the nation.

Victorian operators won 12 awards at the event, including a Gold award for The Woods Ocean Grove in the Self-Contained Accommodation category.

In the Silver category, Accessible Accommodation won for Excellence in Accessible Tourism, while Geelong Gallery won Bronze in Cultural Tourism and Searoad Ferries won Bronze in the Major Tour & Transport Operators category.

Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) chief executive officer Felicia Mariani said it was wonderful to witness 12 out of the 26 Gold winners from VTIC’s Victorian Tourism Awards achieving Gold, Silver, and Bronze status.

“This accomplishment stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion demonstrated within Victoria. We take immense pride in all our entrants who participated in this fiercely competitive process,” she said.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos congratulated the winners.

“It’s fantastic to see the achievements of the Victorian tourism industry recognised and celebrated on the national stage,” he said.

“Congratulations to all the Victorian finalists who work so hard every day to showcase our state to the world – and deliver significant benefits to their local communities.”