About the Awards
‘The Victorian Tourism Awards represent an industry framework for peer recognition which fosters a culture for business development excellence and innovation'.
The VTA have assisted the Victorian Tourism Industry for 23 years in striving for excellence. During this period, more than 3,000 businesses have entered the Awards and have benefited through thorough examination of their business practice, with many recognised as winners at a national level.
The VTA are highly reflective of the state of the Victorian tourism industry. The Awards act as a development opportunity in the skills training and professionalism and play an integral role in encouraging and rewarding excellence, innovation and commitment in the industry.
The awards help to raise standards through a structured submission process of self-assessment through the preparation of a written document which is then reviewed by industry peers who respond carefully to defined national criteria. The Awards process culminates in a night that recognises and promotes outstanding achievement by those at the heart of the industry.
The VTA Gala Ceremony is a key communication platform as it has become the one time each year that more than 1,000 stakeholders assemble from across the State. A successful Awards program and gala event translates into business success and a solid group of professional and committed businesses.
The program enjoys the support of the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Tim Holding MP, and the industry’s peak bodies. The VTA is arguably the most successful single gathering of the tourism and allied industries in Victoria, bringing together the key industry associations, operators, suppliers and state government stakeholders.
Competitive Advantages and Benefits
The recognition and rewarding of quality and innovative businesses translates into a number of competitive advantages and benefits. These include, but are not limited to:
- a business development program and a mechanism to formally record business achievements, take pride in these achievements and encourage annual goal setting;
- identifying businesses that are excelling so other businesses can start to benchmark themselves against professionals;
- an opportunity to win recognition as Victoria’s and possibly Australia’s best and be showcased to the industry and the public as a result of media exposure;
- networking as a result of seminars, workshops, the presentation ceremony etc;
- an endorsement of businesses and reward for years of hard work;
- a competitive and marketable edge that will bring new business; and
- an opportunity to recognise tourism excellence in Victoria.
Placegetters Have Their Say
"The tourism awards were fabulous for the whole business. The excitement that it gave to all the staff was unprecedented. The day the judge arrived for the on site inspection was one of sheer delight and excitement shared by all - management and staff alike. It truly was motivational for us all and a fabulous team building exercise."
Marguerita Hamilton
Hepburn Spa
Entrant - Significant (regional) Tourist Attraction 2005 Victorian Tourism Awards
"We have found the Victorian Tourism Awards process a fresh way of taking a look in the mirror, only with the support, guidance and resources of Tourism
Victoria. We are a small business with out national branding, the award on our wall, and the use of the Winner logo, adds credibility to our property
which money just can't buy."
Kelly Somerville
Miami Hotel Melbourne
Winner - Standard Accommodation Category 2005 Victorian Tourism Awards
Finalist - Standard Accommodation Category 2005 Australian Tourism Awards
"Not only did we benefit from our business analysis, but we found ourselves with invaluable exposure both on the state and national level. Each year we enter we strive to better our business; if it is the awards that provide that motivation, then it has served a very valuable purpose even before the entry is submitted."
Dave Renouf
Greenhouse Backpackers
Winner - Backpacker Accommodation Category 2005 Victorian Tourism Awards
Winner - Backpacker Accommodation Category 2005 Australian Tourism Awards
"‘A fantastic reward for our efforts - we are all proud to have won".
Sally O’Neill
Phillip Island Nature Park
"It provided us a platform and increased our drive in developing our winery as a premier tourism destination".
Pia Kennedy
Gapsted Wines
"International bookings are up due to the higher profile coming from our win. The Awards gave us a most wonderful marketing tool’".
Julian Carr
Boroka Downs
"We’d encourage all tourism businesses of any size to hop on board and rise to the challenge. You and your business will be better off for it.".
Narelle Allen
Fun4Kids
"The Award gave us media exposure and a heightened sense of credibility within our industry and the community. The submission helped us gain a clear and concise view of our business.".
Ainsley Cant
Mineral Spa at Peppers Spring Retreat
"Each year our team shares in the learning curve and uses the Awards to take a look at where we can improve our business and our guest experience".
Janet Warren
Cape Schank Lightstation
"It was quite overwhelming to be recognised."
Melanie McVey
2006 Young Achiever
"Winning the Award was humbling recognition by my peers for the years of honorary work."
Andrew Dwyer
2006 Outstanding Individual
