The Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre has been named the best in the state at the Victorian Tourism Awards.
Held on November 21, Warrnambool won gold in the Visitor Information Services category, edging out runners up Shepparton and Phillip Island/Bass Coast.
Warrnambool will now be in the running for the title of providing Australia's best visitor information services at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in March 2025.
Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain said that an innovative approach while maintaining exceptional customer service had set the city apart.
"With tourism such a big driver in our economy, it's really important that we put our best foot forward when it comes to providing excellent services for visitors while doing all we can to attract more tourists" he said.
"The judges appreciated Warrnambool's commitment to outstanding customer service, innovative visitor engagement, and dedication to supporting the broader tourism industry.
"A key strength is our mobile visitor servicing efforts at events like the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show as well as local highlights such as the Warrnambool May Races or greeting people at the train station for triple j One Night Stand.
"These initiatives demonstrate our adaptability, commitment to meeting visitors where they are, and passion for sharing the best of Warrnambool with a broader audience.
"We also manage the Great Ocean Road Whales Facebook page. This initiative sets us apart by providing ongoing, accessible information and building a loyal community of whale watchers, both locally and from further afield.
"We also place significant emphasis on fostering industry relationships, with initiatives like our Industry Nights, where we bring local businesses and stakeholders together to share insights and opportunities.
"The next Industry Night, hosted at the Warrnambool Art Gallery next Thursday evening, November 28, 5.30pm, will further strengthen our community ties and enhance the visitor experience across the region.
"None of this happens without dedicated, passionate and creative individuals, so thank you to our entire Visitor Economy team for everything that they do."
Victoria Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Officer Felicia Mariani congratulated Warrnambool on the win.
"The Victorian Tourism Awards are the pinnacle of excellence in the Victorian tourism industry," she said.
"Being acknowledged as the best in your field is an outstanding achievement and one that you should be very proud of as you reflect on this journey.
"It is a privilege only the select few get to enjoy and serves as an inspiration for the rest of the industry."
Elsewhere in the South West, the Port Fairy Folk Festival won gold in the Festivals and Events category while Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism won silver in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences category.
The Industry Night on November 28 is free to attend. To book, visit www.humanitix.com and search "Visitor Economy Industry Event".
