Ballarat is once again in the running for the coveted title of Victoria’s Top Tourism Town.
Seventeen finalists have this week been announced across three categories in the 2024 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards: Top Tourism Town – those with a population over 5,000 people, Top Small Tourism Town – those with a population between 1,500 to 5,000 people and Top Tiny Tourism Town – those with a population below 1,500 people.
Ballarat is up against rival tourism town, Bendigo, as well as Echuca, Mildura, Shepparton, Werribee and Warrnambool.
This is the fourth year Ballarat has been recognised as a finalist, with wins recorded at the inaugural awards in 2021 and again last year.
An initiative of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, the awards aim to recognise regional towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to tourism and to increasing visitation to the destination, that offer an excellent visitor experience, and exhibit collaboration with tourism operators, local businesses and the community to make their town the best destination it can be.
The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite Victorian destinations, with votes counting towards the town’s final scores. Voting is open between Monday 3 June and Monday 24 June 2024.
The winners of the 2024 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards will be announced at a Gala Ceremony on Thursday 25 July 2024.
For more information, visit vtic.com.au/toptourismtown
Quote attributable to Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair Hon. John Pandazopoulos
“We have demonstrated twice already that we have what it takes to win this award, and this year is no different.
Being announced as a finalist recognises those who have made a commitment to growing tourism in our region. It’s a shout out to the attractions, accommodation providers, and the host of cafes, restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries across Ballarat and Midwest Victoria’s that consistently deliver exceptional experiences that set us apart from other regional destinations in Victoria.
We’ve now got a chance to celebrate this commitment and to secure a back-to-back win, so get behind your town by voting for Ballarat in this year’s awards.”
Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson
“It’s no surprise to me that Ballarat is once again in the running to be Victoria’s Top Tourism Town.
There is so much to do in Ballarat for all and being so close to Melbourne we are the ideal short-stay destination for families, foodies, nature-seekers and art lovers.
Tourists are vital to our local economy, and our locals are important to bringing them here, with visiting friends and families making up almost 40 per cent of our region’s overnight tourist numbers.
There are so many amazing regional destinations across Australia to visit, but Ballarat has something for everyone, with easy proximity to Melbourne.”