Fremantle, Devonport and Kiama have been named Australia’s top tourism towns at the national Top Tourism Town Awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra this morning.
The towns were judged within categories based on population, alongside their attractions, amenities, accommodation and the ability to welcome and host visitors.
Fremantle took home the Gold award, with Tasmania’s Devonport named in second place, followed by the NSW south coast seaside town of Kiama in third.
Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge accepted the coveted Gold award, presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC).
“As a tourism destination, it’s about being authentic to your story. Visitors love to connect with genuine experiences, and we love sharing our heritage, culture and coastline with them,” the Mayor said.
“Fremantle has an amazing live music scene, incredible food, buzzing markets, stunning beaches and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. People who live in Fremantle love it for the same reasons visitors do.
“We get nearly a million day trippers to Fremantle each year.
“This award is recognition for the many passionate people, guides, volunteers, operators, artists, and business owners, who bring Fremantle to life.
“I commend the other finalists and thank the judges, organisers and sponsors. This is a celebration of the diversity of towns and communities that make up Australia’s tourism story,” she said.
Chair of Fremantle’s Destination Marketing Working Group, Linda Wayman, offered her congratulations.
“This is excellent proof of a good strategy well executed by a great team at the City of Fremantle, with regular input from the local tourism industry using an effective and transparent governance structure in the form of the Destination Marketing Working Group,” she said.
“Congratulations to the City’s marketing team, its fabulous visitor services team and my co-members of the DMWG.”
Kiama Mayor, Cameron McDonald said reaching the national finals was a proud moment for the town and a reflection of the local community’s hard work and passion for welcoming visitors.
“We may not have taken home the top prize this time, but we’ve shown that Kiama belongs on the national stage,” he said.
“Congratulations to Fremantle and also to the winners of the Small Tourism Town, Bungendore near the ACT border, and Tiny Tourism Town, Trentham, VIC.”
