Last week, several attractions and experiences around Victoria came out on top at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The state received five gold, four silver and two bronze awards for 2021. After an incredibly rocky two years, these awards celebrated Victoria’s efforts to innovate and recover under difficult circumstances.
“Our industry has faced ongoing uncertainty since 2020, and for Victoria to have achieved such fantastic success against all odds is incredibly inspiring,” said Felicia Mariani, Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Chief Executive. “We won a single Gold award in the last QATA’s, in 2021, we won five.”
Well done to @RBG_Victoria for taking GOLD in the Major Tourist Attraction Category!
Silver: @CWSlive
Bronze: @tarongazoo#QATA21 #qualitytourismaustralia pic.twitter.com/4YDVofpUIV— Aust Tourism Awards (@QATAINFO) March 18, 2022
Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
One of the winners this year was Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, which took home the gold for Major Tourist Attractions. The gardens in Melbourne were home to many unique attractions last year, including the Seeing the Invisible augmented reality exhibition, the Flora and the Baron audio tour and Moonlight Cinema, which is wrapping up for the season on April 2. This winter, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria will host Lightscape, an immersive night-time installation filled with the glow of twinkling lights.
“With the challenges the tourism industry has endured since the outbreak of COVID-19, these awards are a testament to the resilience and passion of our sector,” said Mariani.
Here are the Victorian winners at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Gold
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for Major Tourist Attractions
- Ballarat Heritage Festival for Festivals & Events
- Gippsland: All Kinds of Wonder (by Destination Gippsland) for Tourism Marketing & Campaigns
- Wilsons Promontory Cruises for New Tourism Business
- Green Olive at Red Hill for Excellence in Food Tourism
Silver
- Alexandra Hotel for Tourism Restaurant & Catering Services
- Alexandra Hotel for 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
- Heytesbury House for Hosted Accommodation
- Bendigo Visitor Centre for Visitor Information Services
Bronze
- Searoad Ferries for Major Tour & Transport Operators
- Tesselaar Tulip Festival for Major Festivals & Events
With the regional travel voucher scheme returning this week, these award winners might inspire your next destination.
“Victorians are back enjoying the things they love and that includes the best destinations and attractions in the state,” said Mary-Anne Thomas, Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events.
Meanwhile, see the rest of the winners across the country here.