Tourism operators from across the region gathered at Bis Cucina for the awards ceremony to recognise the top tourism attractions of the region.

Wellington Regional Tourism Association chairwoman Ann Andrew said the Tourism Awards were a highly competitive and much sought after accolade that allowed the public the opportunity to nominate their favourite tourism businesses and attractions.

''The awards recognise the best of the best in Wellington,'' she said.

''Our tourism operators have done spectacularly well to have been nominated by the people and recognised for their high standards of excellence by the best judges of all, their customers.

''Destination Gippsland chief executive Terry Robinson told the audience at the ceremony there had been intense interest from the public in voting for the awards and there had been a large amount of nominees.

The overall Ultimate Tourism Experience in Wellington was awarded to the 90 Mile Beach.

This category recognised the overall best visitor experience within the Wellington Shire.

The 90 Mile Beach narrowly beat the Tarra Valley as the people's favourite destination.

In accepting the award 90 Mile Beach Tourism Association secretary Merle Sheean said the popularity of the beach was evidenced over Easter with all available camp sites and parking spots full of visitors.

The Food and Beverage category was keenly fought with Sale's Star Hotel named the winner.

More than 40 hospitality businesses were nominated by their customers in the category.

The Gippsland Vehicle Collection at Maffra was named the Tourist Attraction.

Club president Rob Noble said the award was a realisation of a dream to create a Gippsland Visitor attraction in Maffra.

He said the award recognised the hard work and commitment of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Maffra's Cambrai Hostel won the best Accommodation award.

Hostel managers Ron and Marg Rawlins said they were delighted to receive the award and were already looking forward to next year's event.