Greater Shepparton City Council has been awarded Silver at the Victorian Tourism Awards for its contribution made, both locally and overall, to the Victorian tourism industry.
Council took the Silver award for the category of Local Government Award for Tourism, behind City of Greater Bendigo who took out the top spot. This category recognises excellence in tourism strategy and planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, and event development and management.
The Victorian Tourism Awards, hosted annually by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, honour business excellence and performance within the industry. The 2021 awards had a strong focus on COVID-19 and the impact on the wider tourism industry.
In Council’s submission feedback, the judges acknowledged the milestones achieved by the team amidst very challenging and unprecedented times.
“It is clear to see that Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to tourism excellence. This submission has highlighted major tourism infrastructure projects, a marketing plan to showcase the destination and a well-planned calendar of unique events. Thank you to Greater Shepparton City Council for your significant contribution to the Victorian Tourism Industry,” the feedback read.
Mayor, Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said it was a great honour to receive the Silver award.
“The award comes after everyone, not just in Greater Shepparton but across Victoria, have had to navigate two years of challenges and disruptions,” she said.
“Council are extremely pleased and proud to receive a Silver Award and recognition for our continued efforts in maintaining the high standard of our tourism industry. A big congratulations to everyone involved.”
Cr O’Keeffe said the region had shown enormous resilience during the pandemic and were well placed to position themselves as a key visitor destination into the future.
“This is thanks to some recent additions to our visitor product through tourism attractions and experiences such as the Shepparton Art Museum, Museum of Vehicle Evolution, Australian Botanic Gardens, Yanha Gurtji RiverConnect enhancements, the upcoming Maude St Mall redevelopment and the Fish Hatchery,” she said.
“Our major events calendar has always been a key pillar of diversifying and growing our visitor economy. The year ahead is looking even brighter with the recent announcements of two significant cultural events in Illuminate, which will be held in late March, and White Night Shepparton to be held in winter, further enhancing our reputation and helping support local business, create jobs and keep the economy strong.”
