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This article was published on Friday, 25 November, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Local tourism efforts recognised in state awards

Around 1,000 industry stakeholders from across the state gathered at the ‘night of nights’ ceremony to celebrate, network and share the success of their industry, peers and colleagues.

For over 30 years the Victorian Tourism Awards have showcased and recognised the state’s leaders in tourism excellence. The Awards encourage businesses to meet and strive to exceed industry standards, and play an integral role in rewarding business excellence, innovation, industry professionalism, collaboration and initiative.

This year saw over 100 entries submitted for the award across the various categories including Visitor Information Services, Tourist Attraction and Self-Contained Accommodation categories. The Shepparton Motor Museum and The Churches accommodation provider also nominated for the award, winning finalist and bronze respectively in their categories.

The Local Government Award for Tourism category is open to all local government authorities and recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management, and the overall contribution made both locally and overall to their State/Territory’s tourism industry.

The tourism industry in Greater Shepparton annually injects around $190 million into the local economy and attracts around 915,000 day trips, 300,000 overnight visitors and 10,000 international visitors, supporting 1,171 jobs across Greater Shepparton.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development, Johann Rajaratnam said, to be recognised in the top of your field across Victoria is an excellent result, with months of preparation for staff in bringing together the submission.

“Over the past two years, Greater Shepparton City Council has strategically worked towards positioning the municipality as a key major events, arts and sporting destination as evidenced by development of Council’s first ever Economic Development, Tourism and Major Events Strategy.

“During 2015/16 over 22 new state, national and international events were secured, including high profile events such as the AFL NAB Challenge, ANZ Netball Challenge, BMX Australia Nationals Series, Victorian Teachers Games and more. Over 115,462 visitors from outside Greater Shepparton descended on the region, generating in excess of $44.5 million in economic stimulation. This is a real credit to the commitment, hard work and dedication of the events and tourism team,” Mr Rajaratnam said.

The award coincides with the launch today of Council’s new destination website www.visitshepparton.com.au, the next step forward in encouraging visitors to the region and discovering the “Many Great Things” that Greater Shepparton has to offer.