The NSW Tourism Industry Council is honoured that Mudgee and Berrima have each won the prestigious gold medal at the inaugural 2021 Australian Top Tourism Town Awards, announced by the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment.
In these coveted awards, tourism towns from across Australia compete for the honour of being named Australia’s Top Tourism Town.
- Berrima, the historic town located in the Southern Highlands claimed the Gold Medal for the Small Tourism Town (population under 5000)
- Mudgee, a leading food and wine destination claimed the Gold Medal as Australia’s Top Tourism Town, (population over 5000)
“The Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the unwavering spirit of these communities and demonstrates the true value of the visitor economy to these towns,” said NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Manager, Greg Binskin.
“It’s a testament to the resilience of these towns, that have borne the impact of travel restrictions and border closures, to be proud of what they offer to visitors and the important role the visitor economy plays to provide social and economic benefits to these regional communities,” Mr Binskin said.
“These Awards are all about community collaboration. Groups such as Local Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Associations, Councils and Visitor Information Centres have all come together to showcase their town as a tourism destination worth celebrating.
“The process was highly competitive with inspiring editorial, images and video content accompanied by a compelling 3–4 day itinerary essential to be a Top Tourism Town winner.
“It has been a pleasure to collaborate, guide and work with these destinations to ensure NSW had the best chance of winning gold.
“Berrima and Mudgee have a tremendous offering for visitors, and we knew they would be competitive. This clean sweep is a dream result.
“It’s recognition of the enormous work done by regional towns to attract visitors, all in support of their local businesses and economies, and today is the acknowledegment and reward of that work.
“These awards, along with the easing of restrictions and the release of our state’s ‘Feel New’ destination marketing campaign, show that confidence is returning to the NSW visitor economy,” Mr Binskin said.
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