Drawcard Ballarat tourist attraction Sovereign Hill has notched up multiple wins at the state’s top tourism awards.
The team behind the popular living museum have taken out gold in Excellence in Accessible Tourism and Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards.
The Excellence in Accessible Tourism award recognises businesses that provide a product, experience or service that goes above and beyond to accommodate and cater for people with disabilities, while the award for Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers celebrates the personal commitment made by volunteers who freely give their time and contribute to the positive image of tourism in Victoria.
Sovereign Hill was also highly commended in the Cultural Tourism category.
It wasn’t the only recognition for the region’s attractions, with the Ballarat Wildlife Park taking home silver in the Major Tourist Attractions category and Kryal Castle also awarded silver in the Tourist Attractions category.
It was bronze for both The Goods Shed Ballarat and City of Ballarat in their respective categories (Business Events Venues and Local Government Award for Tourism), with Hotel Vera (Hosted Accommodation), Eerie Tours (Cultural Tourism) and the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (Festivals and Events) also recognised as finalists at a gala ceremony in Melbourne last night.
The Victorian Tourism Awards, hosted annually by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), honour business excellence and performance within the industry.
Ninety-seven finalists across 27 categories were recognised at this year’s awards, with gold winners now progressing to compete at the Australian Tourism Awards on 21 March 2025.
Quote attributable to Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair Hon. John Pandazopoulos
“We are so proud of all of our finalists this year, all of whom set the benchmark for excellence in the tourism industry and play an important role in shaping our region as a premier destination of choice for visitors.
These awards recognise the achievements of our tourism industry who work incredibly hard to create unforgettable moments for our visitors that have them returning time and time again.
A very big congratulations to the team at Sovereign Hill for taking home not one, but two gold awards. You continue to strive towards creating experiences that ensures everyone has an opportunity to enjoy themselves equally.”