2018 RACV Victorian Tourism awards celebrate leading tourist attractions and events

The spotlight was on Victoria’s leading tourism and events operators at last night's RACV Victorian Tourism Awards gala ceremony, with six winners entering the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Formula 1 2018 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, Holmesglen at Eildon, Auswalk, Cave Hill Creek, Royal Mail Hotel and Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill, all claimed Hall of Fame status after winning gold in the same category for three consecutive years, doubling the number of last year’s inductees.

Presented by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) for the fourth year, in partnership with Visit Victoria, the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards is the tourism and events industry’s night of nights, celebrating winners across 30 categories for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

In its 34th year, there were 121 submissions in 2018, with 82 business entries achieving a score of 75 per cent or above determining them as winners. Impressively, this is a ten per cent increase of a finalist result or above compared to 2017.

Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Chief Executive Felicia Mariani said she was delighted to see the exceptional calibre of entrants in the 2018 awards and the countless examples of business excellence.

“It’s wonderful to see industry getting involved and an increased quality of submissions entered. This cements the fact that the attractions and experiences Victoria has to offer just keep getting better,” Mariani said.

“In particular, entrants from the Great Ocean Road region should be commended as the leading region, claiming four golds and one silver out of their five entries.”

The Awards are delivered by VTIC, in collaboration with Visit Victoria, to ensure sector excellence is awarded to those that demonstrate business and marketing acumen. 

Peter Bingeman, Chief Executive of Visit Victoria said, “Tonight, we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of all finalists across regional and metropolitan areas of the State, who have significantly contributed to the rise of one of Victoria’s fastest growing sectors – tourism.

“All winners and finalists have demonstrated excellence in their ability to put the visitor at the heart of everything they do, to strengthen Victoria’s position as a leading global destination. We know this doesn’t come without significant hard-work and a meticulous understanding of the visitor journey. We thank them for their tireless contribution to improving the visitor economy.

“A special thanks to our friends at VTIC for their continued support in delivering the industry’s night of nights. Without doubt, each year the calibre of entrants grows from strength to strength.”

Three categories recognising individuals for their contributions to the industry were also awarded, including Professor Bryan King for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, and Parks Victoria who took home the Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers award, also winning gold in the Specialised Tourism Services category for a second consecutive year.

 “These Individual Awards provide a great platform to highlight the important work being carried out by members of the industry at all stages of their careers within the tourism and events sector. This category rightfully acknowledges the commitment of those leading the way in excellence, creativity and sustainability,” Mariani said.

VTIC is proud to deliver an industry award program that recognises the outstanding work of operators across the State and celebrates the innovation and passion of the sector. 

“We congratulate this year’s winners – Gold, Silver, Bronze and the Finalists in all categories,” Mariani concluded.

Image top 2018 RACV Adventure Tourism Winner Auswalk.
For more information on Auswalk go to https://auswalk.com.au/

2018 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards Winners included

Adventure Tourism
Auswalk

Auswalk is Australia’s most trusted and experienced pack-free walking company. For nearly 30 years, Auswalk has been giving their customers experiences you can only have on foot. Their range of guided, self-guided and private walking tours operate in across Australia, including 11 iconic walks in Victoria. They take the hassle out of organising a walking holiday, pre-arranging and including accommodation, transfers, park permits and delicious meals. Auswalk’s customers enjoy unique access to Australia’s real natural beauty on foot with the luxury of a hot shower, a good meal and a comfortable bed at the end of the day.

Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers
Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria engages with over 20,000 volunteers who passionately protect, manage and support every corner of the state. In 2017-18, Parks Victoria volunteers set a record of over 280,000 hours of invaluable support through activities that includes campground hosts, track Rangers, Sherpas and tour guiding. Volunteer activities can be done individually or as part of a group and cater for every age, skill, motivation and ability type. The work undertaken by Parks Victoria volunteers ensures there are Healthy Parks for Healthy People and ultimately positions Victoria as a global leader of sustainable and accessible nature-based tourism.

Local Government Award for Tourism
Bass Coast Shire Council

“Bass Coast offers a unique natural environment less than two hours drive from Melbourne. Our world famous attractions and events such as the Penguin Parade and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix attract visitors from all across Australia and from overseas. Our many coastal villages offer different visitor experiences including great coffee, pristine beaches, scenic walks and an eclectic range of shopping. By protecting our natural environment and while encouraging economic growth, Bass Coast will continue to be a destination that everyone can enjoy.”

Tourism Education and Training
William Angliss Institute, Victorian University

William Angliss Institute is a proven training specialist in developing leaders in the ‘experience industries’ – foods, tourism, hospitality, events and hotel management – growth sectors as consumers choose to spend more, share more and find happiness in ‘experiences’ rather than things. Established in 1940, William Angliss Institute offers short courses, certificates, diplomas, bachelors and master degrees, enrolling more than 23,000 students annually. William Angliss Institute also conducts compliance and customised industry training with flexible learning solutions and training delivery options to suit the needs of organisations across Australia. Offshore, international partnerships continue to grow with training programs delivered globally.

Unique Accommodation
BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park

“BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park is located in the heart of the delightful Yarra Valley Region. Discover a peaceful getaway set amongst the native Australian bush, just a 60-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Accommodation options are designed to suit all needs. From stunning single and family Belle Tents to hand-crafted Glamping Pods in a bespoke design, find your unique style and create lasting memories with friends and family. All accommodation is fully equipped with power, comfortable beds with linen provided, inbuilt ensuites or exclusive access to our glamping precinct bathrooms.”

Caravan & Holiday Parks
BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park

“The park features “Surfari Splash Zone” the first indoor heated water park in a holiday park in Australia. Loved by families, children race to explore the adventure playground and thrills in the splash park, whilst adults enjoy tennis or a swim in the indoor heated pool. Set in pristine grounds opposite a safe beach, BIG4 Inverloch offers accommodation to suit relaxed holiday styles from ensuite caravanning and camping sites to upmarket glamping in safari-style eco-tents to luxury three-bedroom, 2-bathroom family villas.”

 Business Event Venues
Holmesglen at Eildon

“This purpose-built Business Event Venue situated on 660acres, just 2hours from Melbourne, truly reflects its natural surrounds. Offering flexible function rooms, boardrooms and a wide range of entertaining spaces for Conferences, Functions, Events and accommodation on site for 150. Culinary experiences await you – their ‘Low Miles’ food philosophy sees all catering prepared in house using produce from their kitchen gardens, their own farmed beef, locally sourced fresh water salmon, trout, poultry, berries, olive oil, and more. Their sustainable ethos and involvement in the local Community and Tourism industry is a credit to this Business Event Venue that has grown immensely since it commenced operation.”

Visitor Information Service
Bendigo Visitor Centre

The Bendigo Visitor Centre, in central Victoria is Australia’s grandest Visitor Centre. Situated in a historical architectural masterpiece and backed by a devoted welcoming party of 90+ volunteers, it’s no wonder visitors are so delighted they can’t wait to return! The centre embraces a philosophy of ‘connection’ and delivers a wealth of opportunities for visitors to talk a local, create, discover and do more. Heritage Building Tours, Artisan Exhibition’s, Creative Workshops and a range of Meet the Local Maker events are just some of the interactive experiences that afford visitors a selfie-worthy moment to share and become the storyteller.

Qantas Awards for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism
Worn Gundidj @ TowerHill

“Driven by a passion to share Australia’s unique environment, wildlife and indigenous culture, Worn Gundidj provide tours from the Visitor Centre at the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve in South West Victoria. After 60 years of re-vegetation and the re-introduction of native species, Tower Hill provides visitors with an unequalled opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the Australian bush, and to observe our native wildlife roaming free in their natural habitat. Worn Gundidj tours engage guests with this extraordinary natural world, whilst educating and informing them of the 65,000 year old culture and practices of the lands original inhabitants.”

Major Tourist Attractions
Falls Creek Resort

“Falls Creek is Victoria’s largest alpine resort with a stunning alpine village in National Park surrounds. The resort is located at an altitude ranging from 1,210 to 1,850 metres above sea level and is 1,535 hectares in total area. It is widely considered the gateway to the Alpine National Park and Bogong High Plains. Falls Creek is a destination of choice for skiing (both downhill and cross country) and snowboarding in winter, plus road cycling, mountain biking,nature based activities and both sporting and tourist events in the summer months.”

Tourist Attractions and Ecotourism
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

“Moonlit Sanctuary is a magical wildlife attraction set in a conservation park within the Westernport Biosphere just 50 minutes from Melbourne en-route to Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island. Home to more than 400 native animals including kangaroos, koalas, reptiles, birds and rare species, Moonlit Sanctuary gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy close encounters with native Australian wildlife in distinctive day and night experiences. Operating for over 17 years, Moonlit Sanctuary appeals to visitors of all ages from around the globe and is unique amongst privately run wildlife parks in Victoria in its work on conservation, sustainability and animal welfare.”

Major Festivals and Events
2018 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix

“Since 1996, the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has played a pivotal role in positioning Melbourne as the sporting capital of the world .Each year in March, thousands of fans flock to the picturesque Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit to see the star studded line-up of motorsport world champions, while our great city is beamed to millions of viewers around the globe .With its future secured until 2023, the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix showcases Melbourne like no other event, combining world-class international sport with premium hospitality, fine wine, food and entertainment to provide an unforgettable experience and lasting memories.”

Festivals & Events
Riverboats Music Festival

“The Riverboats Music Festival is the Murray River’s premiere contemporary music event.Staged in the twin-towns of Echuca-Moama on the third weekend in February each year, Riverboats takes place under towering river red gums in a natural amphitheatre next to the mighty Murray. Historic paddle-steamers meander past all weekend, and occasionally the corellas get a bit raucous at sunset. We have one stage and plenty of room for dancing, brilliant artists and some of the best food trucks going around.”

Cultural Tourism
State Library Victoria

“Taking up an entire city block in the heart of Melbourne, State Library Victoria is one of this city’s premier heritage destinations and attracts almost two million visitors each year. As the oldest public library in Australia, it’s one of Victoria’s cultural icons and is dedicated to history, culture, creativity and learning. With its majestic domed ceiling and original heritage furniture the iconic La Trobe Reading Room takes visitors’ breath away. Free exhibitions and tours showcase treasures including Ned Kelly’s armour and Burke and Wills relics, telling the story of the people, places and events that have shaped Victoria.”

Specialised Tourism Services
Parks Victoria

“Parks Victoria manages a diverse estate of national parks, marine sanctuaries, wilderness areas and much of Victoria’s coastline. Acting on the Healthy Parks Healthy People philosophy of Access for All, Victorian parks have become a destination of choice for inclusive tourism. As a result, Parks Victoria has been recognised within Australia and internationally, as leaders in Inclusive and Accessible Tourism. New innovations include a custom-designed hoist for accessible water activities, expansion of the Sherpa volunteer program, new social scripts for children on the Autism spectrum and a suite of services that enables inclusive recreation in Victoria’s treasured natural environments.”

Destination Marketing
Business Events Geelong

“Offering easy access, stunning natural assets, incredible venues, quality accommodation and local support services, Geelong and The Bellarine excels as a year-round destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Business Events Geelong (BEGeelong) acts as the Convention Bureau for the Greater Geelong and The Bellarine region. We are a division of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGTB), a membership-based regional tourism organisation encompassing the area between Werribee to Armstrong Creek, including Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Queenscliff and the Moorabool Valley. We work in partnership with Greater Geelong and The Bellarine member businesses to facilitate growth across the MICE industry sectors through marketing, strong relationships, industry development and quality servicing.”