AusLeisure

The Melbourne Zoo has taken out top honours at this years RACV Victorian Tourism Awards, winning the Major Tourist Attraction award.

The Zoo's award winning submission, which saw it edge out finalist the Eureka Skydeck, highlighted its work to extend the Zoo beyond its walls so that all Melbournians could celebrate its incredible contribution to our great city over 150 years.

Congratulating the Zoo on winning the award, Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said that Melbourne Zoo won the coveted Major Tourism Attraction Award for being Victoria's premier tourist attraction as demonstrated through its successful program of events during its 150th anniversary celebrations.

Minister Smith stated "Melbourne Zoo brought our iconic zoo to the heart of Melbourne by showcasing 'Mali in the City' which displayed 50 life-sized elephant sculptures in the CBD, a comedy debate at Federation Square, as well as the opening of a new exhibit 'Growing Wild'.

"This tremendous achievement is brilliant news that Melbourne Zoo is getting the recognition it truly deserves as an iconic tourist attraction that welcomes a record 1.3 million visitors each year."

Melbourne Zoo Director Kevin Tanner said that the Major Tourism Award recognises the Zoo's special place in the hearts of many Victorians, adding "this news comes at a very exciting time for the Zoo.

"We have recently celebrated our 150th birthday where we celebrated the Zoo's rich history, we are anticipating the birth of a baby elephant, and we will open our new Lemur Island exhibit just before Christmas."

More than 150 tourism operators competed in 27 business categories, with another three individual and group awards to be presented at a gala ceremony on Tuesday 19th November.

As a Victorian Tourism Award winner, Melbourne Zoo progresses to the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Sydney next February.

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