Council was nominated in the Visitor Information Services category recognising the consistent delivery of high quality and face to face information services to the visitor, as well as the Local Government Award for Tourism category, which recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management by local government authorities and the overall contribution made both locally and overall to their State/Territory’s tourism industry.
This year saw over 100 entries submitted for the awards across the various categories including Visitor Information Services, Tourist Attraction and Self-Contained Accommodation categories.
The Churches won gold in the Accommodation category and the Shepparton Festival won bronze in the Festival and Events category.
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.
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 Acting Director Sustainable Development, Colin Kalms said it was a great achievement for the Visitor Centre. “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 submissions.”
“Over the past three 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 2016/17 Council launched the new destination brand “Many Great Things”, as well as a new destination website,” said Mr Kalms. “The first instalment of the Aboriginal Street Art Project has also aroused the interest of visitors. In addition over 25 new state, national and international events were secured, including high profile events such as the Beach Volleyball World Tour, Nitro Circus, Shepparton Shakeout Rockabilly festival, Rotary District Conferences (9800 and 9790) and more.”
“Over 116,286 visitors from outside Greater Shepparton descended on the region, generating in excess of $50.3 million in economic stimulation. This is a real credit to the commitment, hard work and dedication of the events and tourism team,” Mr Kalms said.
