The Grampians have once again had a significant boost in the tourism sector, winning several honours at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards last week.
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One of the peak tourism awards nights in the state, Melbourne’s Crown Casino was jam-packed full of people from the top tourism businesses and industries in Victoria last Thursday.
Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel was the big winner on the night, claiming gold for a third year in the Deluxe Accommodation category, gold for a consecutive year in the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category as well as being entered into the hall of fame.
Golton in the Gap. Auswalk, Parks Victoria and Autopia Tours also won gold awards on the night.
Grampians Pioneer Cottages and Bunyip Tours both won silver and Hemley House and Grampians Grape Escape were finalists in their respective categories. Eerie Tours was an award entrant.
Parks Victoria also received the Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers Award.
“As strong supporters of the awards, the Grampians Tourism team was proud to see such a rich field of entrants from the Grampians region which is a reflection of the strength and diversity in our local tourism industry,” Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said.
“It was a fantastic night celebrating our state’s tourism excellence, innovation, professionalism and collaboration and our partners did us proud.
“The Grampians Tourism Industry continues to grow and develop and these annual awards are critical in Grampians evolution as an iconic tourism destination.”
The awards night comes as the tourism in the Grampians nears its peak season, with summer school holidays not far away.
Recent events such as the new Run with the Wind Ararat and Halls Gap Hotel’s outdoor concert coming up this weekend have helped attract different crowds to the region.
Mr Sleeman said events like that and exposure at awards ceremonies such as the one last week are crucial.
“We know that 53 per cent of people from Melbourne have not spent one night in regional Victoria, so that is a huge opportunity for us to try and dial into,” he said.
“Events like Grampians Grape Escape and more recently Run with the Wind help attract the types of people that might not have ventured out this way before.”
