Tourism efforts on the Great Ocean Road rewarded

TOURISM on the Surf Coast is in the spotlight after Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism (GORRT)’s Nina Barlow was honoured with the 2026 Lynette Bergin Award for Tourism Excellence.

Barlow, who manages GORRT’s digital content platform, received the award at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Vision Summit in Melbourne on Wednesday last week, and said the award has given her a chance to try something new.

“The inspiration to apply for this award was an opportunity to step outside my day-to-day role and develop new skills in an area that is becoming increasingly relevant to our industry.

The award, which offers recipients up to $10,000 to undertake an industry-related case study, with an additional $2,000 for their employer, will support Barlow’s research into sustainable visitor management systems in Victoria.

“Her research will explore how other destinations around the world are effectively dealing with visitor management, and what principles or strategies may be relevant here,” GORRT general manager, Liz Price, said.

“Nina’s win is a fabulous opportunity for Nina and her professional development but equally great for her role and contribution to GORRT and the region.”

Price said Barlow is “a valued and crucial member of our small team, and our organisation is excited to support her on this important project, which is not only relevant, but critical to our region right now.”

VTIC chief operations officer, Chris Porter, presented Barlow with the award and said her project “stood out for its clarity, relevance and ambition”.

“Nina’s submission demonstrated commitment, vision and a bold approach to make a difference in our industry.”

The award is presented each year in honour of the late Lynette Bergin and her lasting dedication to Victoria’s tourism industry, and is supported by her family.

“This award is for people who want to shape the future of Victoria’s Tourism and Events Industry for the better, striving to build their skills, deepen their knowledge and contribute fresh insights to our industry,” Porter said.

“Most importantly this is an award that reflects the spirit and legacy of an extraordinary individual; Lynette Bergin.”