The 2017 Vic Tourism Awards, which annually showcases and recognises Victoria’s leaders in tourism excellence, were announced late November with Bright Brewery, Falls Creek Resort and Mount Hotham the big winners for the region.

Bright Brewery took home the Gold in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries category while Mt Hotham won the Destination Marketing category for its True Spirit of Alpine Australia marketing campaign.

Falls Creek Resort was the other big achiever on the night, earning a bronze in the overall Major Tourist Attractions category.

Corryong’s annual Man from Snowy River Bush Festival also distinguished itself as a finalist in the Festivals & Events category.

Also in the winners’ circle this year were Mansfield’s Hotel Delatite, which won the Heart of the Community award in the recent Australian Hotel Association (AHA) 2017 Awards for Excellence. The awards recognise hotels and pubs in Victoria that demonstrate excellence across a range of categories.

And at the World Ski Awards in November, Hans Grimus of Mt Buller institution, Pension Grimus, was also honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism, while Pension Grimus, was awarded Australia’s Best Ski Hotel. The awards are the only global initiative which recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in ski tourism.