Sovereign Hill has been crowned the state’s best major tourism attraction for the fourth year running.
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The outdoor museum took out the first prize at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards on Thursday night.
Sovereign Hill’s signature event ‘Christmas in July Winter Wonderlights’ was awarded silver in the major festival and events category, missing out to the Australian Grand Prix who took out gold.
Sovereign Hill CEO Jeremy Johnson was delighted the outdoor museum’s innovation and commitment had been recognised.
“It’s such a thrill for Sovereign Hill to have been named the state’s best major tourist attraction once again through these prestigious awards”, Mr Johnson said.
“We constantly aim to deliver new experiences to our visitors, and are delighted that this innovation and commitment has been recognised.
“We have an incredible team that includes over 380 staff and 250 volunteers, who help bring Sovereign Hill to life 364 days of the year, and this award is shared with them all.”
Mr Johnson thanked visitors who continue to visit Sovereign Hill in record numbers each year.
More than 789,000 people visited Sovereign Hill in 2015-2016, making it one of the largest attractions in regional Victoria.
Christmas in July Winter Wonderlights rocketed normally low June and July attendance figures to the most commercially successful event, with 95,000 visitors in June and July 2016, and more than 110,000 in 2017.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said Victoria was high on the bucket list for tourists worldwide because of the hard work of those at the coalface of our tourism industry.
“We wouldn’t be the World’s Most Liveable City without the hard work of the men and women running our wineries, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions,” Mr Eren said.
A panel of industry experts judged Sovereign Hill on its service culture, a sound business plan and innovative marketing program, and its role within the community.
It beat other well-known attractions, Puffing Billy, Falls Creek Alpine Resort and the MCG, in the category for the major tourist attraction award.
Sovereign Hill will now go onto the national awards in Perth, which is has taken out in 2005, 2015 and 2016.
