Victoria’s Top Tourism Towns announced

THE winners of Victoria’s inaugural Top Tourism Town Awards have been revealed, with Ballarat and Port Fairy taking top honours for 2021. Nagambie was a short-listed nominee for the Small Tourism Town Award with a population of under 5000 but didn’t make the cut. However, council Mayor Chris Raeburn joined Go Nagambie’s Chrissy McNeil and Lee Rowland at the Victoria Tourism Industry Council - VTIC Awards in Bendigo last week for the awards ceremony. Executive officer for Go Nagambie Sissy Hoskins said Nagambie having been shortlisted is still a victory. “After the year that was, and the challenges that continue to present, this campaign, driven by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, is a welcome initiative to remind all Victorians of the many great places to visit and things to do in the state,” Ms Hoskins said. “Naturally we had to enter these awards – tourism is an intrinsic part of Nagambie and we are thrilled to showcase why Nagambie is a top tourism town. "Our aim is to shine the light on our region, to share our hidden treasures and to have some fun along the way.” Ms Hoskins said the Nagambie community has a really passionate tourism industry, including attractions, retail, accommodation and hospitality providers that are proud to offer something for people of all ages and interests and we have a welcoming community. “I am thrilled that Nagambie was recognised as a finalist and a must-see destination to visit in Victoria,” she said. She said no one was disappointed that Nagambie didn’t win the competition. “We have all the attributes to win this award but we don’t have the budget of some of our coastal neighbours,” Ms Hoskins said. “Our submission was completed on a shoestring budget and as the saying goes, from little things big things grow, so, no, we are not disappointed, it has been a wonderful experience and we know there still is work to be done to take out this award. “This region has been Victoria’s best kept secret for far too long and this acknowledgement already has us thinking about next year’s submission in the Top Town Tourism Awards.” Ms Hoskins said Nagambie is a must-see when it comes to regional Victoria. The Nagambie Lakes Region is just 90 minutes from Melbourne and Victoria’s best kept secret is here for the taking. “We have such a strong commitment to tourism and to delivering outstanding visitor experiences, whether it be at one of our superb wineries, in our small communities or on our waterways,” she said. “In a world that is constantly changing we can stay local, spend local and help our local tourism industry bounce back by supporting each other. “Visit Victoria and be proud.” Ballarat was named Victoria’s Top Tourism Town (population over 5000), while Port Fairy took out the top spot to win Top Small Tourism Town Award (population under 5000). Lakes Entrance took the silver award for Top Tourism Town, followed closely by Bendigo which was awarded bronze. For the Top Small Tourism Town category, Timboon was awarded silver and Apollo Bay achieved bronze recognition. The Top Tourism Town Awards are a new initiative under the Victorian and Australian Tourism Awards process. Hosted by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the awards recognise and celebrate towns that excel in providing an outstanding visitor experience. VTIC was pleased to see 30 destinations nominate for this prestigious position, with 22 outstanding finalists from across the state ultimately competing for the top awards. The two Victorian Gold Winners will go on to compete for the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town, which will be announced at Parliament House in Canberra on September 2.

Victoria’s Top Tourism Towns announced

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