AusLeisure

Ballarat open-air museum Sovereign Hill has been named Australia's top Major Tourist Attractions at the Qantas-sponsored Australian Tourism Awards.

Announced in Melbourne last night (5th February), Victorian tourist attractions and operators received significant acclaim, taking home 10 of the 26 top awards.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival also took out the top prize for Major Festivals and Events while Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing won the Adventure Tourism Award.

Geoff McGeary, founder of APT, was named Australian Tourism Legend for outstanding services to the industry.

Victoria's 14 Gold Award winners at the Australian Tourism Awards:

• Sovereign Hill – Major Tourist Attraction
• 2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival – Major Festivals and Events
• Fun4Kids Festival – Festivals and Events
• Searoad Ferries – Major Tour and Transport Operators
• Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing – Adventure Tourism
• Wine Food Farmgate – Destination Marketing
• Stillwater at Crittenden – Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services
• Pizzini Wines – Tourism Wines Cellar Door – Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries
• Drift House – Luxury Accommodation
• Green Olive at Red Hill – Excellence in Food Tourism

Commenting on Victoria's award success, Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren stated "these results are a testament to the quality of experience we have on offer in Victoria. I congratulate all our winners for their fine achievement."

Commenting on the night about how Australia's tourism industry works hard to attract more visitors, Federal Minister for Tourism and International Education, Senator Richard Colbeck stated "I'd like to thank all winners and finalists for their dedication to producing unforgettable tourism experiences set against what truly is the world’s best backdrop.

“Visitors flocked to Australia in record numbers in 2015 and without these industry award winners, Australia couldn’t come close to being the highly desirable and memorable destination it is for visitors.

“I acknowledge the valuable contribution these winners make in helping Australia meet its Tourism 2020 goal of surpassing $115 billion in overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”

Click here for further information about the Tourism 2020 strategy and goals. 

6th February 2016 - QANTAS AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AWARDS RECOGNISE INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE

10th December 2015 - $95 MILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR REGIONAL TOURISM

14th November 2015 - ‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ EXHIBITION OPENS AT SOVEREIGN HILL

21st July 2015 - SOVEREIGN HILL WELCOMES RECORD CROWDS FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY EVENT

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