Melbourne hosts the 2015 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

Melbourne hosts Australia’s tourism industry greats at the 2015 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (QATA) on Friday 5^th February.

Over 850 of Australia’s tourism industry representatives will attend the black tie Gala Ceremony held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – the first time the Awards have been held in Victoria since February 2009.

Considered the tourism industry’s most anticipated event, these premier awards recognise excellence in Australian tourism. The submission based awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of tourism business with categories that include best accommodation, attractions, festival and events, ecotourism, tours, and the ‘Australian Legend Category’.

This year, Victoria has 25 finalists up for awards, including:

Sovereign Hill (Major Tourist Attractions)

Peninsula Hot Springs (Ecotourism)

BIG4 Beacon Resort (Caravan and Holiday Parks)

Pizzini Wines Cellar Door (Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries)

All Seasons Houseboats (Unique Accommodation)

Past winners who are also back in the running for the 2015 Awards include:

Drift House (Luxury Accommodation – 2014)

Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfing (Adventure Tourism – 2014)

2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival (Major Festivals and Events – 2013)

The Awards are managed by the National Tourism Alliance on behalf of the tourism industry, with the winners of the State and Territory awards automatically qualifying for the Australian Tourism Awards.

Hosted by Channel 10 newsreader Ms Natarsha Belling, the winners will be announced throughout the evening. Follow #QATA15 for live updates or check www.piecesofvictoria.com after 11pm tomorrow night for a full list of Victoria’s winners.

————————————–

Contact: Rebecca Andrews: 9653 9865Email: Rebecca.Andrews@tourism.vic.gov.auMobile: 0428 033 007