My first year as Chairman of the Regions Tourism Awards
A few years back, I was the Chairman and a judge of several regional Tourism Awards, judging accommodation, attractions, restaurants, wineries, etc.
During planning discussions, I argued that award recipients at the black-tie Gala event should be allowed to give a brief acceptance speech. The state tourism authority disagreed, but I got my way.
Fast-forward to the night of nights. In attendance were our Federal Tourism Minister, multiple State MPs, and local dignitaries dressed in black tie and gorgeous gowns. It was the Tourism Industry’s premier event.
PHOTO: Australian Federal Tourism Minister (Left) Chairman of the Tourism Awards (Right)
The very first award of the night ……. The category was won by a well-known Winery (which I’ll keep nameless). The representative, ever so slightly intoxicated, walked onto the stage and was presented with the award. His acceptance speech was short but went like this.
“My father said the only thing better than the taste of a good wine is the taste of your wife. Thank you”.
One could imagine the awkward silence over the room of 400 dignitaries mixed in with the odd clap. Our State Tourism representative glanced across at me from three tables away, daggers in her eyes.
A local MP leaned across with a smile and said, “Tony, only 25 more categories to go,” and laughed. Fortunately, the rest of the acceptance speeches were far more tame, and the night was a huge success. There have been many more great awards ceremonies since then. But I’ll never forget that one.
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