Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad today congratulated Ovens Valley Motor Inn on being recognised for its contribution to tourism at the prestigious Melbourne Airport 2009 Victorian Tourism Awards.
Ovens Valley Motor Inn took out the first place in the RACV Award for Standard Accommodation category.
“It is fantastic that Ovens Valley Motor Inn has been recognised for its leadership role in the state’s tourism sector,” said Ms Broad.
“Now in their 25th year, the awards highlight the success of outstanding individuals and organisations in the Victorian tourism industry.”
“In what has been a particularly challenging year, it is the outstanding contribution of tourism operators that ensures tourism remains strong.
One hundred businesses and individuals competed for top honours in this year’s awards, including many entrants from regional Victoria.
“I am thrilled that Ovens Valley Motor Inn has been acknowledged for its contribution to the tourism sector, which is so important to jobs and the economy,” said Ms Broad.
Ms Broad said tourism was vital to Victoria’s economy, contributing $15.8 billion and providing jobs for 185,000 people.
“While most other parts of Australia have seen a downturn in tourism, Victoria is showing resilience in the face of the Global Financial Crisis and the devastating Black Saturday bushfires.
“It is great to see more and more Australians choosing to visit Melbourne and regional Victoria, to experience our world-class cultural and sporting events, outstanding food and wine, shopping, theatre and beautiful villages,” Ms Broad said.
Winners of the Melbourne Airport 2009 Victorian Tourism Awards will represent Victoria at the 2010 Australian Tourism Awards in Hobart in February.