Wallaroo has been named Small Tourism Town of the Year and People’s Choice winner at the 2022 Tourism Industry Council South Australia – TICSA Top Tourism Town Awards.
Competing against Goolwa, Stirling, Ceduna, Angaston and Coober Pedy in the Small Tourism Town category, Wallaroo’s submission won the judges over to take out the title.
Wallaroo was also up against 20 finalists in the People’s Choice Award and received the most votes from the public to claim the prize.
“We congratulate all finalists on their submission and getting this far, including Top Tourism Town winner Renmark and Tiny Tourism Town winner Quorn,” Copper Coast Council said in a statement.
“These accolades would not have been possible without the support of the public – so thank you to the locals and businesses for rallying behind this campaign and all those in the public who voted for Wallaroo.
“We also like to thank all the Council staff involved in putting together the Wallaroo video, editorial article and photos, and Yorke Peninsula Tourism for helping piece together the itinerary for a visit to our seaside town.
“We are thrilled the Copper Coast has taken out back-to-back awards following Moonta’s triumph in the Top Tourism Town category last year.
“It’s pleasing to see the Copper Coast leaving a lasting impression on visitors as the Lifestyle Location of Choice,” the Council said.
In other awards announced, Renmark, in the Riverland, received the Top Tourism Town accolade; while Quorn, representing the Flinders Ranges, took out the inaugural Tiny Tourism Town Award.
The announcement was made by Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson AC at a Government House reception for representatives of the 20 finalist towns.
Eoin Loftus, TiCSA’s Chair, praised South Australia’s regions and congratulated the finalists and winners.
“A big congratulations to our Top Tourism Town Award recipients. Our regions overall have attracted significant visitor expenditure throughout this COVID period, proving their resilience and important contributions to our state’s economy. It is fantastic to be celebrating and recognising our state’s tourism towns,” he said.
Chair of the South Australian Visitor Information Centre Network, Andy Glen said the Network was delighted to have supported the program and has been overwhelmed by the response.
“We are extremely proud of our Visitor Information Centre members for assisting towns to enter, the quality of the submissions, and the overall benefit that entrants will receive from their participation,” Mr Glen said.
“Congratulations to each category winner along with all entrants – South Australia is truly a great state to work, live and play.”
President of the Local Government Association of South Australia and Mayor at City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans, said the LGA was proud to have partnered again with TiCSA for the 2022 Top Tourism Town Program.
“Regional councils and local businesses have worked hard to maintain and highlight their visitor experiences, so we’re thrilled to be involved in the Top Tourism Town Awards and celebrate all that our state has to offer,” she said.
As Small Tourism Town and Peoples’ Choice Winner, Wallaroo will receive an extensive winners’ package including prizes from the program’s valued sponsors. This includes marketing packages with Adelady and FIVEaa, an article in SA Life’s June edition, and a workshop from Shop Local SA.
Wallaroo will go on to represent South Australia at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards later this year, competing against towns from around the country.
The South Australian Top Tourism Towns Program is delivered by TiCSA, with support from the South Australia Visitor Information Centre Network, Local Government Association of South Australia, SA Life, fiveAA, Adelady, Adelaide Airport, and Shop Local SA.