About the Awards

‘The Victorian Tourism Awards represent an industry framework for peer recognition which fosters a culture for business development excellence and innovation'.

The VTA have assisted the Victorian Tourism Industry for 23 years in striving for excellence. During this period, more than 3,000 businesses have entered the Awards and have benefited through thorough examination of their business practice, with many recognised as winners at a national level.

The VTA are highly reflective of the state of the Victorian tourism industry. The Awards act as a development opportunity in the skills training and professionalism and play an integral role in encouraging and rewarding excellence, innovation and commitment in the industry.

The awards help to raise standards through a structured submission process of self-assessment through the preparation of a written document which is then reviewed by industry peers who respond carefully to defined national criteria. The Awards process culminates in a night that recognises and promotes outstanding achievement by those at the heart of the industry.

The VTA Gala Ceremony is a key communication platform as it has become the one time each year that more than 1,000 stakeholders assemble from across the State. A successful Awards program and gala event translates into business success and a solid group of professional and committed businesses.

The program enjoys the support of the Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Tim Holding MP, and the industry’s peak bodies. The VTA is arguably the most successful single gathering of the tourism and allied industries in Victoria, bringing together the key industry associations, operators, suppliers and state government stakeholders.

Competitive Advantages and Benefits

The recognition and rewarding of quality and innovative businesses translates into a number of competitive advantages and benefits. These include, but are not limited to:

  • a business development program and a mechanism to formally record business achievements, take pride in these achievements and encourage annual goal setting;
  • identifying businesses that are excelling so other businesses can start to benchmark themselves against professionals;
  • an opportunity to win recognition as Victoria’s and possibly Australia’s best and be showcased to the industry and the public as a result of media exposure;
  • networking as a result of seminars, workshops, the presentation ceremony etc;
  • an endorsement of businesses and reward for years of hard work;
  • a competitive and marketable edge that will bring new business; and
  • an opportunity to recognise tourism excellence in Victoria.

Award participants have their say

"The Victorian Tourism Awards workshop program was enlightening and helpful in preparing my submission. To hear advice from judges and mentors and having the opportunity to ask questions in person gave me a better insight into what to present in the submission. Having the opportunity also to share experiences with other entrants and the opportunity to look at previous winning submissions was well worth the time and travel taken to attend."
Wendy Jackson, Skandia Geelong Week - first time entrant 2008

"We attended the workshop at Rosebud arranged by Nicole. Nicole was very thorough in her presentation and she provided us with plenty of encouragement to continue, we are convinced that it was her persuasion that tipped us over the edge and made us take the time and effort to answer all the questions."
Graham Unwin, Lygon Limousines - entrant 2008

"My mentor and I met up very early in the process to discuss how I was going to tackle our submission, being our first year to enter. She was there for me throughout the entire process with advice and support and I don’t think we could have done it without her. She would always follow through with requests from me and took the time to read through anything (within the rules) that I needed her to. Her time and advice never felt rushed and she was very passionate about the awards themselves which helped keep me motivated throughout the entire process. I couldn’t have asked for more help or a better mentor."
Nicky Chapman, LI’TYA - first time entrant 2008

"I would like to tell you that my mentor went above and beyond my expectations of the mentoring service. She thoroughly read my draft submission and her advice was much appreciated in shaping the final document. Not only was she a 'second set of eyes', but she drew on her expertise in having completed winning submissions. I was really glad I signed up for the mentoring program and would highly recommend it for entrants in the VTA."
Penny Olive, Conservation Volunteers Australia - entrant 2008

"I am so honoured to think that my associates in the tourism industry would nominate me for this award. To then be selected as the winner caused me to reflect on the last 10 or so years and on just what I have been involved in. I conclude that the results achieved over that time are to the credit of everyone involved, and that by selecting me, the importance of the work we have done together has been recognized at the highest level."
John Ellis, Hanging Rock Winery - Outstanding Contribution by an Individual winner 2007

"Winning the state tourism award had an immediate positive effect to staff and volunteers as it raised their own expectations and pride they had in our business. We have also found this year that new opportunity's have been available to our business if we highlight our state award win to both trade and media. Writing our own submission was also a way to plan for the future refinement of our operations. A very positive experience."
Peter Abbott, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village - Tourist Attractions winner 2007

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 February 2010