THREE Mornington Peninsula tourism businesses have been inducted into the Victorian Tourism hall of fame after winning gold medals in their categories for three consecutive years.
Searoad Ferries, Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing, and Stillwater at Crittenden were honoured at the 31st awards night in Melbourne.
Searoad was doubly rewarded when its CEO, Matthew McDonald, won gold in the young achievers award.
Aquabelle Apartments in Rye won the inaugural “Self-contained accommodation” category.
Erin Joyce of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council said the awards had benefited Victoria’s $21 billion tourism industry by “showcasing and celebrating the high standard of business excellence across the state”.
More than 3000 businesses had entered the awards over more than 30 years and benefited from a thorough examination of their business practices.
Peninsula winners included:
Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal – gold medal, ecotourism category.
Searoad Ferries, Sorrento and Queenscliff – gold (and hall of fame), major tour and transport operators.
Horseback Winery Tours, Main Ridge – finalist, tour and transport operators.
Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing, Arthurs Seat – gold (and hall of fame), adventure tourism.
Extreme Watersport, Rosebud – finalist, adventure tourism.
Wine Food Farmgate, Mornington Peninsula – gold, destination marketing.
Stillwater at Crittenden, Dromana – gold (and hall of fame), tourism restaurants and catering services.
Polperro Villa Accommodation, Red Hill – finalist, tourism restaurants and catering services.
Harmony Bed and Breakfast, Fingal – gold, hosted accommodation.
Green Olive, Red Hill – gold, excellence in food tourism.
Matthew McDonald, Searoad Ferries – gold, young achievers award.
Winners will represent Victoria at the Australian Tourism Awards next February.
Details: www.victoriantourismawards.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 24 November 2015
