On November 14, the 2011 RACV Victoria Tourism Awards gala was held at Crown Palladium, honouring business excellence and achievements in the industry.

This year’s awards attracted a record 140 entrants across 32 categories, with all of the winners contributing $15.2 billion to the industry.

For the second year in a row, Melbourne Museum won the award for Best Major Tourist Attraction, acknowledging its role in the success of Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, the most successful exhibition in Australian history.

Others honoured at the awards included:
- Melbourne Fringe Festival, winning the Skybus Award for Major Festivals and Events;

• Blue Moon Cottages, winning the Standard Accommodation Award in its first year of entering the awards;

·        The Enchanted Maze Garden, winning the Crown Towers Award for New Tourism Development, with merits in two further award categories

·        Max's at Red Hill Estate, winning the 3AW Award for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services following on from its win in the nationwide 2010 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards last year

·        Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm, winning the Herald Sun Award for Tourist Attraction; and

·        Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove, as a first time entrant winning the Crown Award for Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Boutique Breweries

This year's RACV People's Choice Awards for Guest Satisfaction Services and Service went to Captains Retreat in Williamstown and Abalina Cottages in Bright respectively.

Five businesses were inducted into the Victorian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for winning their category for three consecutive years. This includes Melbourne Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Alto Hotel, BIG4 Beacon Resort; Mornington Peninsula Tourism; and the Bendigo Visitor Centre.

For a full list of award winners and more information on the 2011 RACV Victoria Tourism Awards, visit http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/


Winner:  Luxury Accommodation - Crown Metropol

       
Winner:  RACV People's Choice Award for Guest Satisfaction - Captains Retreat Bed & Breakfast
       

For a full listing of RACV Victorian Tourism Awards placegetters, go to - http://www.victoriantourismawards.com.au/2011-award-winners/2011-award-winners.html

RACV Victorian Tourism Awards website - http://www.victoriantourismawards.com.au/