The winners of the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards were announced last night (21 Nov 2024) at a black-tie gala dinner, with four local tourism businesses taking top honours in their respective categories.
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB) was named winner of the Tourism Marketing and Campaigns category at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards, while The Q Train, Hop It, and Port Phillip Ferries took home gold for Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services, Tour and Transport Operators, and Major Tour and Transport Operators respectively.
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine Executive Director Tracy Carter said she was elated to see so many local operators recognised for their outstanding contributions to the state’s visitor economy.
“We’ve seen first hand the incredible hard work, passion, and resilience they’ve shown through what has been a challenging period for many in the sector.
“Still, they’ve continued to deliver outstanding visitor experiences, and it’s so satisfying to see their efforts rewarded.”
Ms Carter also expressed her delight in securing gold for Everyone’s an Influencer, the marketing campaign which flipped the script on traditional destination marketing to target locals instead of visitors, capitalising on the region’s strong visiting friends and relatives market which makes up 43% of all visitors to the region (Tourism Research Australia, YE Mar 2024).
“We’re so proud to have secured this award,” said Tracy Carter, Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine.
“The win reflects the creativity of our small but mighty marketing team, and we’re overjoyed to see our efforts recognised at a state level.”
Commenting on the win, City of Greater Geelong CEO Ali Wastie said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised for our efforts in the tourism space to promote our stunning and thriving region.”
“This win reflects the City’s commitment to strengthening the visitor economy and we couldn’t be prouder of this achievement.
“A big thank you to our tourism team for their targeted work in driving visitation, which has led to our visitor economy growing to $1.9 billion, exceeding our pre-pandemic record.
Gold winners will automatically be put forward to the National Awards.
Local Winners
Gold Award Recipients:
The Q Train – Tourism Restaurant and Catering Services
Hop It – Tour and Transport Operators
Port Phillip Ferries – Major Tour and Transport Operators
Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine – Tourism Marketing and Campaigns
Silver Award Recipients:
GMHBA Stadium Higher Mark – Business Events Venues
Liberty Balloon Flights – Adventure Tourism
Adventure Park Winter Glow Festival – Festivals and Events
Geelong Arts Centre – Cultural Tourism
Bronze Award Recipients
Accessible Accommodation – Excellence in Accessible Accommodation
