The City of Greater Bendigo has achieved significant recognition at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards, taking home a silver and a bronze award.
Organised by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, the awards celebrate leaders in tourism excellence across the state.
The City won silver in the Local Government Award for Tourism category, marking the fifth consecutive year it has reached the finals. During this period, the City has won three golds and two silvers, reflecting its continued dedication to excellence in tourism planning, facilities, marketing, event management, and overall contributions to the industry at local and state levels.
The City's Bonjour Bendigo marketing campaign earned bronze in the Victorian Tourism Award's Tourism Marketing & Campaigns category. The campaign was a key component in complementing Bendigo Art Gallery's exclusive international exhibition, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925. This creative collaboration between the City and Bendigo Tourism featured over 100 French-themed events and experiences for visitors and residents to enjoy.
The highly successful Bonjour Bendigo campaign included:
- Themed events under City of Love, Bon Appetit and La Boutique showcased Bendigo's food, drink, fashion, and unique attractions from tourism members
- Activated public spaces with Hargreaves Mall hosting free Paris-themed family activities, including acrobats, jugglers, live music, and painting sessions
- Welcomed the Today Show's weather segment at Rosalind Park's Piazza to promote the exhibition and program, and supported a French-themed episode of MasterChef in collaboration with Visit Victoria
- Promoted the French-inspired red, white, and blue branding on iconic Bendigo letters, Bendigo Heritage Attraction's Groove Tram and planter boxes on View Street and Rosalind Park
- The Bonjour Bendigo program was viewed over 96,000 website views during the campaign
- Reached two million people on Facebook and attracted half a million Instagram reel views
- Introduced innovative marketing strategies, including engaging influencers to target a younger audience and Melbourne-based Chinese and Indian communities
The City also extends its congratulations to Balgownie Estate, Bendigo for winning silver in the Unique Accommodation category and Tasman Big4 Bendigo for its silver in the Holiday Parks category.
Manager Destination & Experience Glenn Harvey attributed the City's success to a collaborative effort that involved several City units from across the organisation and the local tourism industry.
"This recognition highlights the creativity and dedication of our tourism community, firmly establishing Bendigo as a leading visitor destination both nationally and internationally. The Bonjour Bendigo campaign encouraged visitors to stay longer, shop, and dine locally, boosting our regional economy," Mr Harvey said.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank local businesses, from retail and hospitality to accommodation providers and attractions, for delivering exceptional service and experiences that enhance Bendigo's reputation as a must-visit destination.
"This latest recognition caps a stellar year for Bendigo, which was named Wotif's Aussie Town of the Year last February. The City also scooped a prestigious silver at the Australian Tourism Awards, and the Bendigo Visitor Centre also solidified its excellence by earning a place in the Hall of Fame at last year's Victorian Tourism awards after winning gold three years in a row.
"These accolades provide a fantastic opportunity for Greater Bendigo to continue growing as a premier destination for domestic and international visitors.
"As Bendigo continues to attract attention with its blockbuster exhibitions and innovative campaigns, the City remains committed to enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening its position as a tourism leader. With Frida Kahlo: In her own image opening at Bendigo Art Gallery in March next year, we've already started planning a vibrant destination marketing campaign so it's exciting times ahead for Greater Bendigo."
