The Ballarat Wildlife Park and Kryal Castle have taken podium positions at the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards.
Ballarat Wildlife Park took home the gold title in the Tourist Attractions category, which was announced at a gala ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday night.
Kryal Castle was awarded silver in the same category, which celebrates natural or built attractions people visit for pleasure and interest.
The Victorian Tourism Awards, hosted annually by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), honours business excellence and showcases some of the most innovative experiences in Victorian tourism.
The Ballarat Wildlife Park provides visitors an opportunity to get up close to Australia’s native wildlife while increasing their awareness of conservation issues.
Now in its 38th year, the award-winning attraction continues to evolve and is undertaking an ambitious plan of renewal and improvement.
The Ballarat Wildlife Park will now compete at the Australian Tourism Awards, which take place on 15 March 2024.
More than 100 finalists across 29 categories were recognised on Thursday night, as well as Tourism Midwest Victoria’s Sustainable Destination Development Officer Madeleine Sawyer who was awarded the Young Achiever’s Award.
The award recognises an individual working in the tourism industry and their contribution to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry.
With more than a decade of tourism experience under her belt, Madeleine was acknowledged for her part in developing and implementing successful strategies and programs for industry associations and local government – cementing herself as a future leader in the industry.
Quote attributable to Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair Hon. John Pandazopoulos
“Congratulations to the teams at the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Kryal Castle, your passion and innovation play an important role in attracting visitors to our region.
This award reflects the incredible amount of work from both teams to continue to improve what they do to create memorable moments for their visitors. You are exemplars of excellence in our industry.
I’d also like to commend Madeleine on her award recognition. The future of our industry is in good hands with clever and motivated people like Madeleine guiding the way.”