Speaking at the awards, president Carol Hulst said over the past year the association had promoted Daylesford and Hepburn Springs as the "spa and wellness" centre of Australia.

It had also developed a communications strategy, ensured industry standards and professionalism were maintained and developed an events strategy.

Ms Hulst said regional achievements included the Back to Booktown event in Clunes, fundraising for the Lindsay Arts Trail in Creswick and a "very successful" seminar on global warming in Trentham.

Strong financial support from all tiers of government meant now was "an exciting moment to take up the opportunity that is being presented to us,".

"It is not the time to become complacent," she said.

"It is now our turn to demonstrate that we are an active, united and motivated tourism region.

"We all need to work together to powerfully structure and plan the growth of our tourism industry with the implementation of the Destination Daylesford Strategic Plan and the Regional Tourism Action Plan."

Ms Hulst said the support of all tourism operators was needed to "spread the load, to respect and support the leadership decision in order to move forward effectively".

"Never before have we collectively had such major opportunities as the reopening of the Bathhouse, Forest Resort, Creswick Interpretive Centre as well as successful events such as Booktown, Swiss Italian Fest and ChillOut.

"The time is right, so let's move forward as one cohesive voice to shape tourism in our region."