100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

'Fierce competition': tourism honours on the line as small towns muscle up on visitor experiences

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Towing company employee awarded $2.5m after bus incident

A tow truck driver has been awarded more than $2.5 million in damages after being seriously injured beneath a broken-down bus. Colin Anderson successfully sued More

Condition of water catchment sinks to record low

A Sunshine Coast water catchment has received its lowest ever rating in a biennial analysis. The Maroochy basin, which is primarily based around the Maroochy More

Stretch of properties for sale in coastal business area

Three adjoining properties have hit the market in a coastal commercial precinct. Numbers 8, 10 and 12 Lanyana Way, at Noosa Heads, have been offered More

Council issues plea after another fire at waste facility

A second battery fire in just over a week at a local resource recovery facility has sparked an urgent plea for residents to remove More

High fuel prices drive ‘massive spike’ in e-bike sales

Electric bike sales are surging as rising fuel costs push commuters to find a cheaper way to get around, industry figures say. While Australian e-bike More

Ashley Robinson: love at third sight

The yearly column about my long-suffering partner was due last week. But Old Mate got the jump on me and posted a photo of More

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to creating memorable experiences for tourists.

And smaller Sunshine Coast destinations are proving they deserve a pin on the must-visit tourist town map.

Now satisfied visitors can give them the recognition they need and be in the running to win a motorhome holiday valued at $2000.

Voting has opened in the 2022 Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

Scroll down to find out how to vote

This year, three of our regional towns are vying for honours in two of the three categories.

Eumundi and Rainbow Beach are both in the list for Top Small Tourism Town, against competition from Airlie Beach, Kuranda, Boonah and Port Douglas.

Rainbow Beach’s pristine waters. Picture: Shirley Sinclair

In Top Tiny Tourism Town, Imbil is in line for a tussle with Richmond, Winton, Quilpie, Canungra, Chillagoe, Hughendon, Kalbar, Linville and Marburg.

While Noosa took out Top Tourism Town in 2021, we have no shortlisted contestant in the category this year.

The awards recognise Queensland’s diverse and outstanding regional destinations, with 23 finalists across the state shortlisted.

The titles aim to reward towns that work together with their tourism operators, businesses and local community to make their destination the best it can be.

The QTIC website says the towns “must offer an amazing visitor experience, demonstrate strong commitment and encourage tourism and increased visitation”.

Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article. 

The final score is made up of a variety of components including a video, itinerary and editorial submission but 25% of the final score is determined by public vote.

The Experience Eumundi Board (EEB) knows how important accolades are to bring more visitors to the revitalised, eclectic town or guarantee return trips.

The Imperial Hotel Eumundi in the main Street.

“We’re so proud of this incredible town and community with a dedication and warmth like no other place I’ve ever been,” EEB director Louise Formosa said.

“With over a million visitors a year, we’re counting on them to gain the votes we need to secure a win for this prestigious award.

“We’re up against some fierce competition.”

The public votes must be received by May 23.

Anyone who votes before that date goes into the draw to win an Apollo motorhome holiday package worth $2000.

Queensland winners will be announced on June 13.

Go to the website to vote.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share