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Latrobe City Shines At The Gippsland Tourism Awards Montfort Manor, the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre and Aerial Skydives, all entrants from Latrobe City, won their individual categories in the inaugural Gippsland Tourism Awards, last Friday. By Latrobe City Council - 2nd August 2007 - Back to News Mr Tom Stafford, chair of the judges and manager of tourism services, Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the overall standard of entries was extremely high and congratulated the winners on their presentations.
"The great diversity of product in the region and the high standard of businesses entering the awards, demonstrates that Gippsland not only has lots to offer visitors but takes great care to look after them with a high level of professionalism and expertise," Mr Stafford said.
Of the Latrobe City entries, the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre based in Traralgon was joint winner in the ‘Tourism Services’ category; Montfort Manor in the ‘Luxury Boutique Accommodation’ category; and Aerial Skydives based at the Latrobe Regional Airport, was judged winner in the ‘Adventure Tourism’ category.
Latrobe City mayor, Cr Tony Zimora, said each of the winners not only demonstrated excellence in their own field of tourism expertise, but also provided leadership for others in the tourism industry.
Melinda Wilson of Montfort Manor and Janine Hayes of Aerial Skydives are participants in the Gippsland Tourism Leadership Program. Janine is also on the Latrobe Tourism Advisory Board.
Marissa Panuskis, manager of the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre, also provides administrative assistance to the recently formed Latrobe City Business Tourism Association.
"Melinda, Janine and Marissa are all passionate about contributing to the growth of tourism in the area and consistently encourage the community to support their local tourism operators," Cr Zimora said.
"Gippsland has been through a tumultuous time with drought, bushfires and floods. These awards and the announcement of the winners, encourages everyone to not only sample the tourist delights on their own doorstep but to venture further afield in Gippsland and support the industry as a whole," Cr Zimora said.
"It is important to think locally for the forthcoming September holidays and see what’s on offer in Latrobe and the Gippsland region," Ms Hayes added.
The awards were presented at a cocktail evening at Sale’s Bis Cucina restaurant – a winner in their own section.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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