The Geelong Conference Centre has taken out the Best Tourism Accommodation Award at the 25th Annual Geelong Business Excellence Awards.

A $2 million upgrade has brought significant benefits to Geelong Conference Centre, set in idyllic surrounds in Eastern Park. All of the bedrooms and ensuites were totally renovated, wireless internet was made available throughout the centre, state-of-the art audio visual equipment was added to all meeting rooms, public areas were fully renovated and the gardens rejuvenated. The upgrading was just one of many steps taken to raise the profile of the centre.

Following a $2 million upgrade, the Geelong Conference Centre has been recognised for tourism excellence.

“These awards can only be achieved with the passion and dedication of such a wonderful team. ” says Glenn Jones, marketing manager of the Geelong Conference Centre. “Businesses are judged on not only their vision and strategic direction but also on corporate citizenship and environmental sustainability. The Geelong conference centre is a strong supporter of Not For Profit groups and we have also reduced our green house emissions by 36% in 6 months.”

About 46,000 clients visit the centre each year, using the conferencing, meeting and accommodation facilities for a range of business, recreational, spiritual and sporting events. The centre will be the home base for the Australian cycling team for the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in September.

Features of the centre include six conference rooms, meeting break-out spaces, in-house catering services, gymnasium, pool and spa, video conferencing, full dining facilities, a games room, ample free parking and surrounding walking tracks and sports and recreation grounds.

The centre has 42 hotel-style rooms with ensuites and four self-contained apartments.

By holding events at the centre, clients are supporting The Salvation Army, a major provider of community social services.