Local residents and visitors to the region are being encouraged to vote in an upcoming awards event to help crown Bundaberg the title of Top Tourism Town.
Presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the Top Tourism Town Awards program celebrates Queensland’s outstanding regional destinations and honours communities across the state which demonstrate a commitment to visitor excellence.
Acting Mayor Cr Bill Trevor said Bundaberg had been named as one of seven finalists in the category of Top Tourism Town (population over 5000).
He said the awards represented an opportunity to celebrate the region's diversity, amazing visitor experiences, local businesses and friendly faces.
“From the hinterlands of Childers and Gin Gin right through to the city centre of Bundaberg and out to the beautiful coast, our region has so much on offer for tourists,” Cr Trevor said.
“When you visit us, not only do you get to experience the amazing Great Barrier Reef which sits right on our doorstep, you can also encounter the local turtles who nest along our beaches and even spot a whale or two on the horizon.
“You have the chance to divulge in fantastic local produce featured in many of our amazing restaurants and cafes, taste the flavours of your favourite drinks from our local distilleries and breweries and even catch up on some local history or view amazing art at our museums and galleries.
“The Top Tourism Town Award is recognition of all of these wonderful aspects that make the Bundaberg Region such a great place to visit.”
Bundaberg Tourism CEO Katherine Reid said while the past two years had been challenging, the collective efforts of the tourism industry, strong partnerships and the positive contribution to the regional economy was something to celebrate.
“For the Bundaberg Region to be a finalist in the Top Tourism Town competition recognises the passion and commitment of many in delivering incredible visitor experiences,” she said.
“The Top Tourism Town Awards are about the incredible community that supports tourism and the delivery of visitor experiences in the region.
“Tourism is really everybody’s business and we need everyone to get behind this nomination by voting and sharing with friends, family, customers and contacts.”
Ms Reid said in addition to the promotion, the winning Top Tourism Town received a $25,000 Strategic Consulting and Capacity Building package to go towards a destination stewardship and responsible tourism program with Earthcheck
“This would be fantastic for the Bundaberg Region as we strive for ECO Destination status together!” she said.
New resident shares love for Bundaberg
Former Sydneysider Adam Carrig moved to the Bundaberg Region two months ago and as part of getting to know his new hometown, has spent time with his family exploring all that the region has to offer.
“It is so varied, you have fields you have beaches and lots of different things to do,” he said.
“I think the people of Bundaberg are really lucky and don't realise how good they have it here.
“Coming from out of town, it's amazing to see the beaches here are so close, super accessible and an easy swim for families.
“There are so many great things, where do you start!”
Adam said when it came to his favourite tourism spots, he loved what was on offer at Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo in Childers and Flying High Bird Park in Apple Tree Creek.
“I have done all of the main tourist spots and my favourites are the zoo and the bird park, he said.
“We have little ones and they absolutely loved those experiences; we got to hold some snakes and feed some birds.”
Vote for Top Tourism Town
Public voting for the Top Tourism Town Awards will close on Monday 23 May with winners to be announced on 13 June at an awards ceremony in Brisbane.
Holidaymakers and weekend warriors can vote for their favourite destinations here.
All Queensland Award winners will gain automatic entry to the national Top Tourism Town Awards held later in the year, where they will have the chance to be crowned the best holiday destinations in Australia.
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