Gippsland Tourism Sector Gets That Winning Feeling
The Gippsland Tourism Sector was in full flight on Thursday 5th June 2008 as 150 people came together to celebrate a great year in tourism. The Gippsland Tourism Awards were hosted by Bis Cucina in Sale. There were 8 winners, 1 certificate of merit, 4 finalists and 8 certificates of commendation awarded across 10 Categories
The evening was marked by happy acceptance speeches and a real sense of optimism as the tourism industry celebrated the achievements of their peers.
Ms Jan Davis from Lakes Entrance Waverley House Cottages a Finalist in the Hosted Accommodation Category summed it up for many: 'It was a fantastic night. It was so good to get together with operators from across the region. There is such a strong sense of unity of purpose.’
Mr Chris Buckingham, Gippsland Tourism said: 'The judging this year was much tougher, but our operators rose to the challenge. While it was fantastic to see so many businesses judged to a high standard, the highlight was to see the industry coming together in such a unified and positive way.’
Mr Geoffrey Cox (Known by most people as Coxy) was in great form and linked a series of very funny anecdotes with some serious advice about the future of tourism in regional Victoria:
‘Gippsland is a great region to visit and it is vital that we do not lose sight of what makes it special’ said Coxy
A special panel of Victorian Tourism Awards judges was convened to judge this year’s awards. There was strong and positive feedback that the overall standard was better than last year. A spokesperson for the judging panel said: ‘The judges can see the great potential of the Gippsland submissions and strongly recommend that each entrant takes their submission to the next level by participating in the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards’.
Destination Gippsland owes a debt of gratitude to our supporters in particular the six local governments of Gippsland, Vecci, Telstra, Tourism Alliance Victoria, WIN TV, AusIndustry, Parks Victoria and Tourism Victoria.
Please see list of Winners, Certificate of Merits, Finalist and Commendations below.
Tourism Wineries
Winner- Brandy Creek Wines and View Café - Richard Stockdale Finalist- Wild Dog Winery - Gary Surman
Commendation - Toms Cap Vineyard - Grahame Morris
Commendation - The Gurdies Winery - Peter Kozik
New Tourism Development
Commendation - Lakes Explorer - Peter Johnstone
Commendation - Nickelby at Darnum - Angela Betheras
Tourist Attractions
Winner - Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort - Leona Turra
Finalist - Candalaraine Alpacas - Lorraine Barnett
Tourism Marketing
Winner - Prom Country Regional Tourism - Christine Legg
Hosted Accommodation
Winner - Stringybark Cottages Bed and Breakfast- Neil Triggs
Finalist - Lakes Entrance Waverley House Cottages - Jan Davis
Finalist - Cypress Hill Bed and Breakfast - Amanda Ford
Commendation- Springbank Bed and Breakfast - Kaye Greene
Luxury Boutique Accommodation
Winner - Montfort Manor - Melinda Wilson
Deluxe Accommodation
Commendation - Frog Gully Cottages - Ann Andrew
Visitor Information and Services
Winner - Latrobe Visitor Information Centre - Marissa Pacunskis
Merit- Prom Country Visitor Information Centre - Christine Legg
Commendation - Wellington Visitor Information Centre - Mark Watson
Tourist and Caravan Parks
Winner - Toora Tourist Park - Rachel Brown
Commendation - Inverloch Holiday Park- Kate Edwards
Tourism Education and Training
Winner- Gippsland Tourism Industry Leadership Program - Janiene Ayre Baw Baw Shire Council