Members from the Tourism Sector of the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) figured prominently in the Melbourne Airport 2005 Victorian Tourism Awards presented on Monday night (21/11).

VECCI is the umbrella organisation for:

· The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC)

· The Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Alliance of Victoria (HMAA)

· The Backpacker Operators’ Alliance of Victoria (BOAV)

Winners were announced across 31 categories, ranging from accommodation to tourism retailing, ecotourism, tourism training and new developments.

In congratulating award winners, VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Coulson,

said many were members of either VECCI, VTIC, HMAA or BOAV.

"VECCI is proud to support these companies and organisations who have been recognised at the highest level for their commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism industry that is so important to Victoria."

HMAA Victoria Policy Committee Chair, Mr Harry Korpetutuncu, said: "In an increasingly competitive international marketplace, the success of our tourism industry is largely dependent on service standards across the State and the awards recognise the strong efforts of leading tourism operators and individuals."

BOAV Chair Meg Allen said: "winning awards such as these gives smaller tourism businesses an invaluable marketing edge".

VTIC Chair, Mr Bob Annells, received the Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. "I was personally honoured to receive this Award and would like to dedicate it to the members of VTIC and thank them their work and support in representing the Victorian tourism sector," said Mr Annells.

Victorian Tourism Award winners include:

Major Tourist Attractions
Sovereign Hill (VECCI member) - winner and Hall of Fame member
Phillip Island Nature Park (VECCI/BOAV) - finalist

Major Festivals and Events
2005 Formula One Foster’s Australian Grand Prix (VECCI) - winner

Significant Tourist Attractions
Werribee Open Range Zoo (VTIC) - merit award

Ecotourism
Phillip Island Nature Park (VECCI/BOAV) - finalist

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Koorie Heritage Trust (BOAV) - winner

Meetings and Business Tourism
Marylands Country House (HMAA) - winner

Significant Tour and Transport Operators
Go West Tours (BOAV) - winner

Adventure Tourism
Bayplay Adventure Tours (BOAV) - winner

Tourism Education and Training
William Angliss Institute of TAFE, Diploma of Resort Management (VECCI) - merit award

Backpacker Accommodation
The Greenhouse Backpacker (BOAV) - winner

Hosted Accommodation
Monreale Estate (HMAA) - merit award; Cape Schanck Lightstation (HMAA) - finalist

Standard Accommodation
Miami Hotel Melbourne (HMAA/BOAV) - winner

Deluxe Accommodation
Four Points by Sheraton Geelong (HMAA) - merit award