Tasmania’s top tourism destinations have been celebrated at the state’s premier tourism conference in Launceston, with Devonport taking out the coveted ‘top town’ award for the third year running.
The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) announced the winners during its annual two-day conference, which brought together more than 500 industry leaders under the theme ‘Resilience and Reinvention’.
TICT CEO Amy Hills said Deloraine in the Meander Valley was awarded the top ‘small town’ prize, while Stanley in the far north-west took home both ‘tiny town’ and the people’s choice award.
“These incredible towns from right across Tasmania represent everything that is unique and special about Tasmania’s visitor economy,” she said.
“From their welcoming communities, through to their products and experiences, Tasmania’s regional tourism towns are second to none and some of the best in the country.”
The three winning destinations will now go on to compete nationally against other top tourism towns from around Australia, with the results to be announced in Canberra this September.
The inaugural tour guide award recognised Cat Davidson from Inala Nature Tours as the state’s top guide, while Nathan Cocks from Tassie Tours Tasmania received a highly commended mention.
“A professional and passionate guide can make the world of difference to a visitor’s experience, connecting them with culture, the environment, heritage and history,” Hills said.
Eight finalist towns were in the running for the tourism town titles, including Richmond, Port Arthur, Beauty Point, Binalong Bay and Bothwell.
This year’s conference attracted a record turnout as the industry looked ahead to future challenges and opportunities for Tasmania’s tourism sector.
“We must continually look to the future and examine ways in which our destinations can stand apart and our operators can continue to thrive,” Hills said.
