Phillip Island Nature Parks takes out silver in top Victorian Tourism Awards

Phillip Island Nature Parks has taken out silver in the coveted Victorian Tourism Awards, highlighting its distinctive potential to mix eco-tourism with profitable conservation.

The Nature Parks was named runner up in the Major Tourist Attraction class on the prestigious Victorian Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony on the Palladium at Crown final evening.

The awards, organised by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, recognise tourism excellence and excellent innovation throughout the sector.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Chief Executive Officer Catherine Basterfield mentioned the Nature Parks’ employees and volunteers had labored arduous to rebuild visitation in the final two years, and this award was due recognition of their devoted efforts.

“This award is validation of the unimaginable experiences Phillip Island Nature Parks work arduous to ship, and it showcases that our employees, volunteers and guests actually are the cornerstone of our success,” Ms Basterfield mentioned.

“We are very grateful for the help of the Victorian group, who returned to the Nature Parks experiences in giant numbers following the pandemic. Visitation from interstate and worldwide guests and group bookings in more moderen months has ensured that we return to a powerful place in a short time.

“Through a fastidiously curated customer expertise, Nature Parks presents a narrative of hope for our planet and a spot the place tourism and conservation have labored in synergy to have fun and safeguard Australia’s valuable biodiversity.

“I’m so proud to work with a group that’s dedicated to showcasing the distinctive wonders of Phillip Island whereas managing environmental and wildlife conservation.”

Phillip Island Nature Parks presents a various array of experiences, together with the long-loved Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island and the Antarctic Journey exhibit on the Nobbies Centre.

Phillip Island is house to the most important little penguin colony that may be seen in its pure setting, and is the nation’s first sensory-certified tourism attraction.

In the previous 12 months, the Nature Parks has confirmed its potential to ship new improvements with the primary hatchlings of bushstone curlews on the Koala Conservation Reserve, a brand new yarning circle studying area and enhanced hospitality choices throughout its sights, showcasing native meals and companies.

Ms Basterfield congratulated all of the winners of the 2023 Victorian Tourism Awards, together with Zoos Victoria, who took house gold for the Major Tourist Attraction Award.