Finalists for the TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards have been announced, with Gippsland’s Noojee among the 17 towns across the state vying for the prestigious accolade.
Hosted by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the awards showcase the regional towns and centres offering exceptional and unique visitor experiences across Victoria.
VTIC Chief Executive Felicia Mariani said the awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the most captivating destinations the state has to offer.
“The last few years have shown many of us that we don’t need to leave Victoria for a great getaway. It’s renewed our love for our stunning backyard,” Ms Mariani said.
This year, the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards also count on the support of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) as the newly announced Naming Partner for the awards.
“The awards showcase the value of tourism to our towns and communities and celebrate the diversity of our regional destinations. We are thrilled to now have TAC’s support in recognising the towns that are going above and beyond to create a great experience for travellers,” Ms Mariani said.
TAC Acting CEO Tony Dudley said the TAC’s sponsorship of the awards provided an important opportunity to promote road safety through tourism.
“This partnership empowers Victorian towns to champion safe travel on their roads by proactively communicating with visitors, especially when it comes to the dangers of fatigue and educating travellers on where they can take a pause from the road during their journey.”
The awards is set in three different categories; Top Tourism Town, Top Small Tourism Town and Top Tiny Tourism Town.
Noojee is apart of the Top Tiny Tourism Town.
The full list includes,
For ‘Top Tourism Towns’
-Ballarat
-Bendigo
-Echuca
-Frankston
-Lakes Entrance
-Mildura
-Warrnambool
-Werribee
For ‘Small Tourism Towns’
-Heathcote
-Koroit
-Sorrento
-Woodend
For ‘Tiny Tourism Towns’
-Aireys Inlet
-Jamieson
-Murchison
-Noojee
-Red Hill South
Finalists now proceed to the consumer voting element of the awards, giving the public a chance to vote for their favourite Victorian destinations.
Voting is open now until 22 June 2023.
Individuals who cast a vote for their favourite Victorian tourism towns will go into the draw to win a Melbourne Getaway for two, kindly sponsored by Time Out and Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The prize includes a two-night stay at the luxurious Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, two dining vouchers to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants and tickets to THE LUME Melbourne.
“We’re calling on every Victorian to cast their vote and show their support for our domestic tourism industry,” Ms Mariani said.
The three Victorian winners will then progress on to the nationals for a chance to be named Australia’s Top Tourism Towns.
To cast your vote for your favourite part of Victoria, visit the VTIC website, vtic.com.au/toptourismtown
Winners will be announced at the end of July 2023.