Six Shoalhaven towns including Berry, Culburra Beach, Huskisson, Kangaroo Valley, Sussex Inlet and Ulladulla have been shortlisted for the second ever NSW 2022 Top Tourism Town Awards.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Shoalhaven towns will be running alongside a total of 30 ambitious towns from across the state to take out the prestigious award of 'top tourism town' in three categories based on population size, including a new Tiny Tourism Town category.
The NSW Top Town Awards powered by Business NSW will showcase the value of tourism and the visitor economy to towns across the state by shining a light on the towns, people, attractions and experiences that make NSW a 'must visit' destination.
With just over a week to vote (which close April 27) which will make up 25 per cent of the overall submission, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to jump online and have their say.
Voting is restricted to one town per category here, with Huskisson and Kangaroo Valley in the under 1500 category; Berry, Culburra Beach and Sussex Inlet in the population under 5000 category; and Ulladulla in the population over 5000.
Read more:
Voting closes at 5pm on April 27 with one top town winner from each category announced at the LGNSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference, Orange on May 19.
Winners in each category will go on to represent NSW at Australia's Top Tourism Town Awards and battle it out among the states to be held later in the year.
Shoalhaven City Council Tourism and Economic Development Manager Coralie Bell, said it is thrilling to have six of the Shoalhaven's many incredible towns and villages represented among the 30 finalists from across NSW.
"Being recognised as finalist shows how passionate our business operators are about visitors and is a great achievement after what has been a tough year for the industry," she said.
"Rally behind the towns you love and let's bring the win home to Shoalhaven!"
Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism member Louise Hallum said "Berry is thrilled to be nominated for the NSW Top Tourism Town Award".
"It recognises the passion with which our Berry locals share their love of what they do," she said.
"Berry is blessed with truly stunning bucolic scenery and oodles of village charm.
"But it is the unique events, fantastic accommodation, specialist shopping, exceptional dining and other experiences that are all delivered with the legendary Berry hospitality and genuine welcome that ultimately makes it such a special, truly memorable place to visit and be."
Culburra Beach and Districts Chamber of Commerce president Brian Muller said it's exciting to have Culburra Beach nominated as a finalist.
"The updated and much improved accessibility to Sydney is making Culburra Beach an extremely popular destination for holiday makers," Mr Muller said.
"The stunning natural beauty of the area is supported by great cafes, restaurants, amazing beaches and countless things to enjoy."
Huskisson Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president Danny Payne, said "On behalf of all the incredible businesses in Huskisson, we are incredibly proud to have been nominated as a finalist for this special award."
Natalie Harker, Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Tourism and Commerce member, said the area is a magical landscape.
"We are a small community with big hearts and hard-working local businesses," Ms Harker said.
"It is great to see their efforts being rewarded and our beautiful valley having a chance to shine."
Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce president Sandra Gray, said the chamber "is excited the town and its amazing range of activities and beautiful location has been recognised".
"It's recognition of the amazing businesses in our town who work so hard to give tourists the best possible experience," she said.
Customer experience manager at Cupitt's Estate Libby Cupitt said it's thrilling to see "our wonderful town make the list of finalists for the 2022 NSW Top Tourism Town."
"In the past year, our region has been a safe haven for visitors around the state to escape and enjoy the natural beauty and incredible food and wine experiences," Ms Cuppitt said.
"The resilience and innovation of the operators in Ulladulla and surrounding towns have ensured that visitors have a memorable trip and will want to return again and again."
Co-owner of The Ruse Ulladulla Erin Blair said she is proud Ulladulla has been nominated as a finalist.
"We love our town, and are so proud Ulladulla has been nominated," she said.
"With such a beautiful coastline, spectacular scenery, delicious food and drink, and so many fun things to do - it's no wonder the area attracts so many visitors, and keeps drawing them back."