NSW Tourism Industry Council has announced the finalists for the 2024 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, with 19 towns from across the state vying for the prestigious accolade.
“The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards provide communities, business chambers, visitor centres and local governments the chance to show how their town encourages tourism development, increases visitation and drives the visitor economy for our state,” NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director Paula Martin said.
“It’s a real testament to the resilience of these towns that we have an incredible 19 finalists in three categories: those with populations over 5000 residents, those under 5000 residents and tiny towns with a population fewer than 1500 residents. These Awards are all about community and business collaboration; coming together to showcase their town as a leading NSW tourism destination. The Awards highlight those special places, experiences, cultural attractions and the all-important locally produced food and beverages driving the visitor economy and delivering the social and economic outcomes for the community.
“The process was highly competitive with inspiring editorial, images and video content accompanied by a compelling itinerary essential to be a Top Tourism Town finalist. Once again, it is great to see such a strong response from NSW towns in engaging with the Top Tourism Town Awards. Regional towns are critical to achieving the state’s ambitions as a visitor destination. The efforts these towns have made in support of their local economies, in the face of significant challenges, is inspiring. The quality of entries and the depth of experience these towns offer, is a testament to their local businesses and communities.”
Members of the public can vote for their Top Town until 5pm AEST on Monday 13 May 2024. The winners will be announced at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference, on 29 May 2024. Winners in each category will go on to represent NSW at Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards to be held later in the year.
FINALISTS
Tiny Tourism Town fewer than 1500 residents
Broke, Hunter Valley
Eugowra, Central West
Huskisson, South Coast
Wollombi, Hunter Valley
Small Tourism Town with fewer than 5000 residents
Berry, South Coast
Bulahdelah, North Coast
Gloucester, North Coast
Merimbula, South Coast
Oberon, Central West
Ulmarra, North Coast
Top Tourism Town with populations over 5000 residents
Ballina, North Coast
Bathurst, Country NSW
Grafton, North Coast
Kiama, South Coast
Newcastle, North Coast
Murwillumbah, North Coast
Orange, Central West
Shellharbour, South Coast
Ulladulla, South Coast
IMAGE: NSW’S 2024 TOP TOURISM TOWN FINALISTS
