Bendigo tops for visitors

THE Bendigo Visitor Centre has won the best Victorian Visitor Information centre for the second time in a row.City of Greater Bendigo’s executive tourism manager, Kathryn Mackenzie, said it was an important achievement for Bendigo to win this category.“To win for the second year in a row really puts us in the spotlight as an industry-leader, adding to our reputation in the tourism sector,” he said.“It is acknowledged at a state level that we are doing great things at a high standard.“This award represents a job well-done by the many dedicated people in our tourism team.“I congratulate our staff and volunteers for the exceptional work that they do to welcome visitors to Bendigo.”The visitor centre engages 60 local volunteers who work alongside council staff to welcome more than 100,000 visitors each year.Last year the centre generated $1.7 million for the local tourism industry through accommodation, tours and retail sales.The annual awards ceremony was in Melbourne on Monday night.The visitor centre will be represented at the National Tourism Awards in 2011.