Ballarat has taken out the coveted title of Victoria’s Top Tourism Town for the second time.
Crowned winner at a ceremony on Wednesday night, Ballarat edged out eight regions to win the 2023 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.
The annual awards, which are hosted by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, recognise Victorian towns that create an exceptional experience for visitors through a commitment to collaboration and showcase the economic impact tourism brings to regional Victoria.
The awards are decided through a judging panel and a public online vote, which this year recorded more than 23,000 votes.
Ballarat, which took out the inaugural title of Victoria’s Top Tourism Town in 2021, will now move on to compete for the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town with the winner to be announced at Parliament House in Canberra on 14 September.
For inspiration on how to spend your Ballarat visit, head to visitballarat.com.au
Meanwhile, locals can discover more about what their hometown has to offer by searching ballaratintheknow.com.au
Quote attributable to Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair Hon. John Pandazopolous
“We know the region has all the right ingredients to a perfect escape, and now the rest of Victoria does too.
More importantly, this win is a recognition of the talented businesspeople and their staff who make up our region’s visitor economy ecosystem.
It’s our people who make Ballarat and Midwest Victoria what it is, and whose innovation, creativity and friendliness continually gives visitors a compelling reason to visit, and to return time and time again.”
Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson
“We always knew Ballarat was the best city to visit, of course, but it is incredible to have this acknowledged at the annual awards!
Being so close to Melbourne, Ballarat is an ideal short-stay destination for art and architecture lovers, nature-seekers, foodies and families.
So Ballarat, why not invite your friends and families to visit and show them what wonderful things our city has to offer?”