Greater Bendigo has dominated the shortlist for the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards in a range of high profile categories.
The Victorian Tourism Awards are organised by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council to acknowledge leaders in tourism excellence from across the state.
The City of Greater Bendigo has reached the finals in the Local Government Award for Tourism category for the fourth year in a row.
The award recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management, and the overall contribution made to the tourism industry at local and state level.
The Bendigo Ring Cycle Festival is a finalist in the Events and Festivals category. The 37 day festival, presented by Bendigo Venues & Events in partnership with Melbourne Opera, included the staging of Richard Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle opera blockbuster at Ulumbarra, complemented by a festival of 30 Wagner themed events across the city.
Bendigo Visitor Centre has reached the finals in the Visitor Information Services category. The centre has won gold twice in a row for its consistent high quality customer service and face to face interaction with visitors. A third gold would earn a place in the Hall of Fame.
Bendigo Tourism members and City partners have also been recognised for their contribution to tourism over the past year.
The popular Lost Trades Fair Bendigo is named as a finalist in the Festivals and Events category. Supported by the City, the Lost Trades Fair brings together demonstrations and exhibiting skills from over 150 artisans and attracts more than 20,000 people during the two-day event at the Apiam Bendigo Racecourse.
The BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park, Balgownie Estate and Rambling Wines have also reached the finals for the Victorian Tourism Awards.
City Director Strategy and Growth Rachel Lee said it was fantastic to see Greater Bendigo shortlisted in so many high profile categories.
“I am delighted the City and several local tourism operators are in the running for so many prestigious awards,” Ms Lee said.
“It demonstrates just how well the City and our local tourism industry and partners promote excellence in tourism.
“The Victorian Tourism Awards will be announced on November 30, so good luck to all of our Greater Bendigo finalists.”
Last year, Greater Bendigo scooped three golds, a silver, and a bronze in the Victorian Tourism Awards. The City won gold in the Best Tourism Marketing and Campaigns category for its Viva Bendigo themed campaign to promote the Australian-exclusive exhibition Elvis: Direct from Graceland at Bendigo Art Gallery.
The City went on to win gold nationally for the same campaign at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards last March and the Bendigo Visitor Centre won bronze for its exceptional customer service.