Victorian tourism businesses and operators have again received top recognition at the pinnacle of national tourism excellence - the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards - showing the strength of Victoria's visitor economy.
Minister Dimopoulos congratulated the 16 Victorian winners honoured at the awards in Fremantle, Western Australia.
More than 170 finalists competed across 26 categories, with Victoria receiving six gold, eight silver and two bronze awards for 2025 - showcasing talent, innovation, and quality of the state's tourism operators.
Several Victorian winners were supported through the Victorian Tourism Awards Mentoring Program - backed by Labor's Regional Tourism Industry Development Program.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre won gold in the Event Venue category and boutique Grampians accommodation Mount William Station won gold in the 5 Star Luxury Accommodation category.
Melbourne's iconic Shrine of Remembrance shone brightest in the Cultural Tourism category, with tiny house accommodation Nook On The Hill in Halls Gap taking out top place in the Self-Contained Accommodation category.
Go Adventure Nagambie achieved an incredible milestone, taking home Gold in two categories: Tourism Retail and Hire & Services and Adventure Tourism - showcasing their exceptional commitment to excellence in tourism.
Victoria will host the 2027 Australian Tourism Awards at the new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, secured by a joint bid by the Victorian Government, Visit Victoria, City of Greater Geelong, Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine and Victorian Convention and Event Trust.
The $449 million centre is expected to boost the regional economy through major events and visitor spending, with 56 events already booked in ahead of its opening in July.
The future is bright for Victoria, with our booming $46 billion visitor economy supporting 288,000 tourism jobs across the state.
For more information about the winners, visit australiantourismawards.com.au
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Congratulations to the exceptional businesses and operators who have showcased their dedication and skill on the national stage at the Australian Tourism Awards. You have made Victoria proud."
"Victoria's visitor economy continues to thrive thanks to the outstanding efforts of our tourism industry leaders, setting the benchmark for Australia's tourism sector."
As stated by CEO Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Lisa Patroni
"Our Victorian tourism operators have again demonstrated their exceptional talent and resilience, with one of our most impressive results at the Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle. Their success reflects the strength and innovation driving Victoria's visitor economy."
"We are also delighted that the Australian Tourism Awards will return to Victoria in 2027, at the new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention Centre which will provide a world‑class stage to showcase the very best of the Australian tourism industry."