Tourism gold for Grampians

“It was a real highlight for us. We were winners just to be a finalist. It was great to see Grampians Peaks Walking Company and Golton in the Gap be recognised” – Marc Sleeman

Grampians business and industry achievements won recognition from Victorian peers at an annual awards evening this month.

The ‘resilience and innovation’ of tourism businesses during the ‘heartache, struggles and disruption’ of tough COVID-19 restrictions were at the heart of 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards.

Grampians Tourism was a finalist in a ‘Host with the Most’ marketing category, acknowledged for its work in strengthening business partnerships in the region.

Golton in the Gap, a Halls Gap accomodation provider, won gold in a self-contained accommodation category and Grampians Peaks Walking Company won gold in an adventure-tourism section.

Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said he was proud of the work his team had done to be a category finalist.

“It was a real highlight for us. We were winners just to be a finalist,” he said.

“It was great to see Grampians Peaks Walking Company and Golton in the Gap be recognised as well.

“They have delivered amazing visitor experiences.

“It was important for Grampians businesses to collaborate and work across the industry to develop stronger partnerships throughout COVID-19 disruptions.

“Hopefully because of these relationships businesses will be in a good position to recover strongly and develop more collaborations and partnerships throughout this year.

“It is great to know the work we have been doing is translating to reduced fragmentation of the industry during such a challenging time.”

Mr Sleeman said he was confident Grampians businesses could continue adapting and excelling beyond 2022, but emphasised the importance of continuing this work over the next few months.

“With international borders opening, we are on the home straight towards normalisation,” he said.

“While we have some exciting marketing campaigns over the next six months, we are really focussed on the supply side of the industry.

“Hopefully we can start to address some of the work-force issues that have evolved recently.

“When the Grampians is seen as a cohesive region, it is more appealing for outside companies to invest in the area.”