The NSW Toursm Industry Council has announced the finalists for the 2023 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, with 32 towns from across the state vying for the prestigious accolade.
Three South Coast towns have been short-listed as finalists with Ulladulla (5000+ residents) up for the Top Town Award, Tilba nominated for the Top Tiny Town (less than 1500 residents), and Eden up for the Top Small Town (1500-5000 residents).
Other nearby locations to feature are Berry, Jindabyne and Sussex Inlet in the Small Town division, Shellharbour and Wollongong in the Top Town’s with a population of over 5000 and Huskisson and the Kangaroo Valley in the Tiny Towns category.
Vice Chair of Eden Tourism, Emma Godfredson, told East Coast Radio there were plenty of reasons locals and visitors should vote for Eden in the Small Town category.
“We’re so excited to be announced as a finalist and these awards are such a great platform to let us shine,” Godfredson said.
“Eden is an amazing town to visit, we are set on one of the deepest harbours in the Southern hemisphere, which one of the reasons we have cruise ships visiting us,” she explained.
“We also have amazing whale watching opportunities in the season, great diving, fishing, swimming, wonderful walks including ‘the Light to Light walk’ and new mountain biking trails about to open,” she said.
Godfredson congratulated all finalists from the South East region, giving Tilba a special mention.
“We are so proud of Tilba being named in the Tiny Town category, please get behind them as well,” Godfredson said.
“So when you follow the link on our website to vote for us, it gives you the opportunity to vote for the Top Town, Top Small Town and Top Tiny Town, so you can vote for Ulladulla, Eden and Tilba, the more people we can encourage to get down to the South Coast, the better it is for everybody.”
“We really need locals and visitors on the South Coast to vote for us, you can do that at visiteden.com.au.”
The winners will be announced at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference, on May 30.
“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,” said NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director, Paula Martin.
“The core of these Awards centres on the collaborative efforts between the community and local businesses, working together to present their town as a premier tourism destination in New South Wales.
“By showcasing the unique locations, activities, cultural landmarks, and locally produced food and drinks, to boost the visitor economy and create positive social and economic impacts for their community.”
“In order to be considered as a finalist for the Top Tourism Town award, entrants had to go through a rigorous and highly competitive process. Participants had to present outstanding editorial pieces, captivating itineraries, and compelling videos as part of their submission,” Ms Martin said.
Now it’s time for the public to cast their vote with voting open until 5pm Friday 12 May 2023.
You can get more information and find out how to vote HERE.
Images: Destination NSW, Eden Tourism, Tilba Tourism
