Latest news with #20257NEWSTopTourismTownAwards
West Australian
03-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Exmouth, Kalbarri, Geraldton and Denham feature prominently in 7NEWS 2025 Top Tourism Town Awards
Tourism jewels along WA's Coral Coast shimmered in all kinds of variety — gold, silver and bronze — at the 2025 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards last week. In an incredible feat, Exmouth won gold in the small tourism town category for the fourth year in a row, with Bridgetown and York coming in second and third. Kalbarri scored back-to-back gold, taking out the tiny tourism town category ahead of Pemberton (silver) and Denham (bronze). Exmouth and Kalbarri scored a $10,000 and $5000 airtime package respectively to promote their towns on 7 Regional WA. Geraldton's night had a massive silver lining, awarded silver for the fourth consecutive year in the top tourism town category, pipped at the post by Fremantle. The winners were announced at the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner last Wednesday night. The gold winner in each category will also receive a professionally produced Storytowns custom audio guide of their town, featuring two local legends. More than 8000 people voted for their favourite tiny, small and top tourism towns. 'Congratulations to this year's winners of the Top Tourism Town Awards. Fremantle, Exmouth, and Kalbarri have all displayed an exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality visitor experiences,' Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said. 'All medallists have impressed both an industry panel of judges and the public through consumer voting. They will now go on to represent Western Australia on a national level in the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in September.' City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the city was proud to claim another silver and gave a 'huge shout out' to all the other Coral Coast localities for their achievements. The 11th version of the WA Tourism Conference will be held in Carnarvon between May 25 and 27, 2026. More than 200 delegates are expected from across WA, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Shire president Eddie Smith said it was a thrilling moment for the Carnarvon community. 'Carnarvon is a place of stories from ancient landscapes and rich Aboriginal culture to our world-class produce and iconic attractions. Hosting this event will allow us to share our region's unique character with industry leaders from across the State and showcase why Carnarvon deserves to be on every visitor's itinerary,' he said.
West Australian
29-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Geraldton claims silver for fourth year in a row at 2025 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards, pipped by Fremantle
Chasing gold continues to be just out of reach for the City of Greater Geraldton in its hunt for tourism glory — but there is a pretty spectacular silver lining. Geraldton won silver for the fourth straight year at the 2025 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards on Wednesday night, pipped at the post by Fremantle, while Collie claimed bronze. Fremantle was the only metropolitan finalist among the three categories. Kalbarri achieved back-to-back gold, taking out the tiny tourism town category for the second year running, beating Pemberton and Denham. Exmouth claimed gold for the fourth consecutive year in the small tourism town category, with Bridgetown and York coming in second and third. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said: 'We are extremely proud to secure another silver award and appreciate everyone who voted for us as well as all the businesses and individuals who continue to offer a warm welcome and fantastic experience to those who visit our town. 'Geraldton has had a huge 12 months tourism-wise, highlighted by the success of the recent Shore Leave Festival and the future looks bright, with the cruise ships scheduled to start returning next year.' Mr Clune congratulated Fremantle and gave a 'huge shout out to fellow Australia's Coral Coast localities' Kalbarri, Exmouth and Denham for their awards. The winners were announced at the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner in Fremantle and will now progress to the national awards being held later this year. More than 8000 people voted in this year's WA awards, which have been running for 36 years. The City of Greater Geraldton recently launched its latest tourism campaign, Stay and Play. 'With it, (we) will continue to promote our slice of seaside paradise to visitors,' Mr Clune said. To enter the Stay and Play photo competition, go to the city's website.
