CANBERRA’S Royal Australian Mint has bagged three coveted titles at the annual Canberra Region Tourism Awards, earning the congratulations of Small Business Minister Michael McCormack and the Federal Government.
Open to tourism businesses across the whole Canberra region, the Royal Australian Mint won awards for Cultural Tourism, Tourism Visitor Education and the Visitor Experience Award, which is voted on by the public.
The awards follow an 8.9 per cent increase in visitor numbers on 2014/15 figures, with 299,379 people visiting the key Canberra site.
“These outstanding results show what an important landmark the Royal Australian Mint is on the map of Canberra,” Mr McCormack said.
“As the Minister with responsibility for the Mint, it is great to see its tourism programme recognised, as well as the way it has embraced technology, engineering and its history in showcasing the vital role the Mint plays in the daily lives of Australians.”
With innovative and interactive exhibitions on display, Mr McCormack encouraged more visitors to visit the Mint next time they travel to the capital. Highlights include the independently-valued $21.5 million National Coin Collection, for which the Mint is the custodian.
“Every time I go to the Mint, I learn something new about its operations, its history and its ongoing importance. From that famous song at the introduction of dollars and cents half a century ago to the role the Mint played in the construction of bronze medals for the Sydney Olympics, or the exciting way it is embracing innovation and modern engineering, the Mint’s appeal is very broad.
“No matter your age or the purpose of your visit, the Royal Australian Mint, its roadshows and classroom education programmes are a great day out for all and I am delighted to see it recognised in such a way at these local tourism awards,” Mr McCormack said.
“These awards are a credit to the Mint and I look forward to continuing my work with it as new tourism and education programmes are developed into the future.”
Producing 135 different types of Australian legal tender and collectible coins in 2015/16 to mark significant Australian historical, military, sporting and other key event milestones, the Royal Australian Mint will now represent the Canberra region at the Australian Tourism Awards next year.
Further information on the Mint’s awards is available below.