A Sunshine Coast town that beat tourism heavy-hitters to be named Queensland’s top tourism destination is about to take to the national stage to compete for the Australian crown.
Caloundra has enjoyed months of celebration and national coverage since being crowned the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council in June.
It is now a finalist in the Australian Top Tourism Town awards, to be held in Canberra on Thursday, September 14.
Caloundra Chamber CEO Brady Sullivan said the town had a shot at taking out the national competition.
“Being named Queensland’s Top Tourism Town in June continues to be a huge drawcard for Caloundra,” he said.
“It has given a boost to the Sunshine Coast tourism industry and will help attract investment to our region.
“We are up against some tough competition at the national awards, but If Caloundra was to be named Australia’s Top Tourism Town it would be hugely beneficial in attracting investment such as the funds needed to build the Sunshine Coast Regional Art Gallery.”
Caloundra’s key attractions, including the natural wonders of the Pumicestone Passage and nearby Glass House Mountains, local eateries such as White Picket Fence and action-packed activities including Oceanview Helicopters grabbed the state judges’ attention.
Now a panel of judges will decide the winner of the national awards from the seven state winners: Victoria’s Ballarat, Tasmania’s Devonport, Northern Territory’s Katherine, Western Australia’s Mandurah, New South Wales’ Newcastle and South Australia’s Victor Harbour.
Related story: It’s official: Coast destination named state’s best
As the creators of the winning state tourism application, two Caloundra Chamber of Commerce representatives will attend the national awards.
The Top Tourism Town awards recognise Australian towns with a population over 5000 people that offer amazing visitor experiences and are committed to working collectively to increase visitation to their region.
“Caloundra can be a relaxed holiday by the water or a fun-filled family holiday,” Mr Sullivan said.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe acknowledged Caloundra’s commitment to tourism after its state achievement in June.
“Building a great reputation as a Top Tourism Town takes a united, whole-community commitment to consistently excellent visitor experiences,” he said.
“Queensland has an awe-inspiring diversity of quality destinations, each vital to the industry-led Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap for growing the state’s visitor economy.”
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