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This article was published on Friday, 23 November, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

Outstanding results in state tourism awards

Greater Shepparton City Council won silver in both the Visitor Information Services and Local Government Award for Tourism categories, as well as, receiving bronze for the Shepp Square event held at Federation Square in April.

This is the second year Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre has walked away with an award, backing up with a silver award this year, after winning gold in 2017. The second award again reinforces the vital service provided by the Visitor Centre team and how visitors to the area are greeted with a smile and helpful service.

The Greater Shepparton City Council Economic Development, Tourism and Major Events Strategy demonstrates Council’s commitment to strategically growing the industry as a major contributor to the local economy. Taking out second place in the Local Government Award for Tourism category has formally recognised Council’s capability in terms of tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management, and the overall contribution made both locally and overall to Victoria’s tourism industry.

“Over the past three years, Greater Shepparton City Council has strategically worked towards positioning the municipality as a key major event, arts and sporting destination guided by Council’s Economic Development, Tourism and Major Events Strategy,” suggests Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development, Geraldine Christou.

“And with tourism injecting around $190 million into the Greater Shepparton economy and supporting 1,171 jobs across the region, the strategy is definitely on track.”

An unexpected placing for the evening was bronze awarded to the Shepp Square initiative. The Destination Marketing category was hotly contested with Shepp Square competing against the likes of national and well-known brands such as P&O Cruises, Big4 Holiday Parks Australia and the Yarra Valley.

“Shepp Square was a unique initiative in being a whole community approach to tourism,” explains Ms Christou.

“It was a whole of organisational approach from a Council perspective, and was delivered in partnership with Shepparton Show Me, local business and industry, local performers and community groups. Shepp Square would never have been successful or even possible without the participation and support of our local businesses,” contends Ms Christou.

Greater Shepparton accommodation providers continue to shine, with Place Accommodation being a finalist in the Best New Business category, for the charming and unique Airbnb experiences now available for visitors to the area.

“The importance of the awards cannot be underestimated,” suggests Ms Christou. “Receiving such awards puts Greater Shepparton on the radar in terms of the Victorian Government and attracting new visitors to the area.”