Memorial News

Australian War Memorial Wins Top Tourism Award

The Australian War Memorial has been named as the Canberra Region's top tourist attraction. The Memorial won the Major Tourist Attraction Award at the Annual Canberra Region Tourism Awards held on Saturday 15 July 2000.

Memorial Director Steve Gower with University of Canberra student Supriya Chaudhary at the Tourism Awards. Supriya assisted with the development of the Memorial's entry.

Receiving the award at a gala function held at the National Convention Centre, Australian War Memorial Director Steve Gower said winning the award has capped off a very important and exciting year for the Memorial. "Our commemorative message is as strong and relevant as ever, and our revitalized galleries have attracted a sharp upturn in visitors to the national capital," he said.

The team who developed the Memorial's entry in the Awards. L-R: Marylou Pooley, Gillian Freeman, Linda Ferguson, Helen Withnell.

The Director acknowledged the tremendous support and effort of staff at the Australian War Memorial. "The work continues with the opening of the Bradbury Aircraft Hall in August and the scheduled completion of ANZAC Hall for early next year," he said. The Bradbury Aircraft Hall will contain a comprehensive display of air power in the Pacific and the completion of ANZAC Hall will allow the extensive collection of large military technology items to be displayed in a-not-seen before "object theatre" setting.

More than 850,000 tourists visited the Memorial in 1999, an increase of 25 percent. The number of international visitors also increased by a quarter, to more than 150,000. Research has also revealed high levels of satisfaction with the Memorial. More than 60 percent of visitors said their visit to the Memorial exceeded their expectations and close to 90 percent said the Memorial had improved since their last visit.

The Director said national and international tourists have long recognized the Australian War Memorial, as truly one of the world's finest military museums and it is gratifying to have this recognized by the tourism industry. "The opening of the Bradbury Aircraft Hall, in August, and ANZAC Hall early next year, will ensure that the Memorial continue to make a major contribution to the Canberra Tourism industry," he said.