Erin wins $8000 tourism fellowship

By Melissa Meehan
YARRA Valley and The Dandenongs project coordinator Erin Doyle has been presented with an $8000 Lynette Bergin Tourism Fellowship.
The prestigious fellowship will fund Ms Doyle’s research into forging better relations with Asian tourism markets and the Yarra Valley.
Ms Doyle said the aim of her studies was to find the most effective ways of increasing awareness of the Yarra Valley in Asia by surveying consumers and trade representatives.
“The Yarra Valley already has an extensive international marketing plan in Asia, focusing on the Sinapore markets, but I’m hoping to look at ways to reach the rest of Asia,” Ms Doyle said.
She will attend consumer shows in Malaysia, Singapore and OzTalk South East Asia to conduct the research. She also hopes to conduct interviews with local tourism operators.
CEO of Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs Jennifer Hutchinson said it was a pleasure to work with Ms Doyle at regional marketing.
“Erin is displaying all the signs of a great career ahead and we are delighted with this level of industry recognition,” Ms Hutchinson said.
Chairman of Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs marketing Jeffry Farman said while there were a large number of applicants for the award, it did not surprise him that the judges couldn’t see past Ms Doyle.
“Her hard work and dedication to her job is reflected in the good work being done by all of our staff at regional marketing,” Mr Farman said.
Ms Doyle joined the regional marketing team as a volunteer in 2006 while completing her Bachelor of Business Management, majoring in Tourism Enterprise Management.
After completing her degree Ms Doyle joined the organisation as a project coordinator.
Ms Doyle said she was honoured to receive the prestigious award.