Congratulations to both Carmel at Sorrento and Searoad Ferries for being awarded first place in the 5 Star Luxury Accommodation and Major Tour and Transport Operators category, the second consecutive year the two businesses have been recognised with these esteemed gold accolades. The Dromana-based Red Hill Candle Co also claimed gold in Tourism Retail and Hire Services.
Carmel at Sorrento represents the ultimate exclusive coastal accommodation experience in the popular beachside village. Celebrating its 35th birthday this year, Searoad Ferries Sorrento provides unparalleled scenic journeys across the Port Phillip waters to connect the Mornington Peninsula to the Great Ocean Road. And based in the vibrant Dromana Habitat, Red Hill Candle Co offers visitors unique candle-making workshop experiences alongside their colourful retail outlet store.
Further commendation from the evening of celebration is also due for Grape Explorations Australia, taking home silver for Tour and Transport Operators for the second year in a row, and Mornington Boat Hire awarded silver in both the Cultural Tourism and Adventure Tourism categories.
Showcasing standout Mornington Peninsula wineries and exceptional hidden gems, the tours from Grape Explorations Australia have become top experiences for all-in family and friend adventures. For Mornington Boat Hire, their range of aquatic and fishing opportunities has kept them a leading marine business of the region.
Established to showcase and acknowledge tourism excellence, the Victorian Tourism Awards represent the industry’s premier event and have been awarding leaders across the state for over thirty years. Last night’s gala ceremony, held at Melbourne’s Park CENTREPIECE, saw hundreds of professionals come together to network and celebrate outstanding achievements as a collective.
Additional Mornington Peninsula finalists for this year’s ceremony included Arthurs Seat Eagle and Peninsula Hot Springs.
All winners from the first 25 categories at the Victorian Tourism Awards automatically go on to compete at the national Australian Tourism Awards.
Angela Cleland, Chief Executive Officer of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, said "To have the Mornington Peninsula recognised at the 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards is an outstanding achievement. We congratulate all the awarded and nominated businesses across the region and commend their inspiring efforts in creating exceptional tourism experiences and opportunities. We look forward to all the excitement the summer season brings and encourage all visitors to explore more of these recognised businesses when visiting."
To explore more of all the awarded and nominated businesses, click here.