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.

Data centre survey puts $35,000 figure on buyer reluctance

New data centres could deter prospective property buyers or prompt them to demand tens of thousands of dollars off the asking price, according to More

Bricklaying boss warns of skilled worker shortage

The Sunshine Coast is facing a skilled worker shortage as the region gears up for billions of dollars in construction and infrastructure projects. The challenge More

Restaurant’s ‘food bible’ double award win

A double award victory has placed a hinterland restaurant among Australia’s standout dining destinations and recognised it as Queensland’s best restaurant for 2026. The Woodshed More

Former labour hire firm fined over farm records

A former labour hire provider and its manager have been fined over false records linked to workers at a Sunshine Coast strawberry farm. The Fair More

Hidden signal in videos could help solve crimes

Technology being refined on the Sunshine Coast could help solve some of the world’s most complex criminal cases, from hostage situations to child exploitation More

Ashley Robinson: extending my appetite

I had a light-bulb moment last week. Well, it took a while, but the light bulb eventually came on. It all started innocently enough with 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