01 December 2005
The Gardens Shop wins major tourism award
The Gardens Shop at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has been named the best tourism operator in the Tourism Retailing category at the Melbourne Airport 2005 Victorian Tourism Awards.
The prestigious Awards salute the tourism industry’s leading operators, businesses and individuals. They give the industry an essential boost, reinforcing the enormous value of tourism to the community, highlighting the great experiences on offer across the State and recognising the hard work of tourism operators.
Dr Philip Moors, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, said: “We are thrilled to win this award for the second year in a row.
“We have worked hard to make sure that the Gardens Shop reflects what the gardens are about: nature orientated with a botanical theme, with each of our products telling a special story.”
Revenue raised through the Gardens Shop assists the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (a not-for-profit organisation) to advance the knowledge and enjoyment of plants, and to foster their conservation.
Tourism Minister John Pandazopoulos congratulated the Gardens Shop for its achievement.
“The awards process is not an easy one, nor is it meant to be,” Mr Pandazopoulos said. “The Awards recognise people striving for excellence- it’s not about being first past the post.”
As a Victorian Tourism Awards-winner, the Gardens Shop is now automatically entered into the 2005/06 Australian Tourism Awards to be held on the Gold Coast in February to compete against the best in each State and Territory.
Photo opportunities and media enquiries: Jenny Hynes on 9252 2494 or Meg Law on 9252 2477.