Tourism shines

By Kath Gannaway
The awards were presented at Crown in Melbourne on Monday night, 15 November.
Rochford Yarra Valley took top honours in the tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Boutique Breweries and a Merit Award for Festivals and Events while the RACV People’s Choice Award for Guest Satisfaction and Service went to Myers Creek Cascades in Healesville.
Trees Adventure in the Dandenongs, in only their first year of operation, received a Merit Award in the New Tourism Development category.
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate were also awarded a Merit Award in the Tourism Wineries category.
Mark Challis, CEO of Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing said the awards recognised the region as a top tourist destination.
“A wide variety of tourism businesses have received high honours across a range of categories at this year’s awards which showcases the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs as not only a world-class wine region, but as a top tourist destination,” he said.
Flowerdale Estate, Locale at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate, Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company, Woodlands Rainforest Retreat and Arnica Views Summit Retreat were all finalists in their relevant categories.
Rochford owner Helmut Konecsny said it was the first time they had entered the awards which he said were recognition of a professional and dedicated team effort and recognition that Rochford was getting it right.
“We are very much a destination – we do wine, food, events, functions … all those things and what drives the business is customers.
“Everybody comes here to have a good time, to enjoy what we have to offer and we what we have to do is make sure that happens for them.”
James and Jan Allen of Myers Creek Cascades were thrilled with their win which was based on reviews of their secluded, luxury cottages in the bushland off Myers Creek Road.
James said they were hopeful because many of their guests had posted wonderful reviews on the RACV website.
“When the RACV rang and invited us to sit on their table, we had an inkling,” James said.
The Allens opened their first of four cottages in 2004 after 20 years in the industry.
Michelle Coleman, manager of Trees Adventure in Belgrave said they were overwhelmed to receive a Merit Award in their first year as an entrant.
The business opened in March and in their off-season has had more than 5000 people go through.
“When we walked in and saw how many people were there, and how fiercely the awards were competed for, our hearts sank a little,” she said.
“When they called out our name for the award, we were just stunned.”
More than 130 tourism operators competed in the almost 30 award categories.