Kiama wins gold and Ballina secures silver at NSW Top Tourism Town Awards

Competing against notable towns such as Newcastle, Orange, Shellharbour, Murwillumbah, Ulladulla, Bathurst, and Grafton, Kiama has won the prestigious 2024 NSW Top Tourism Town Award while Ballina has been awarded silver at the Awards, hosted by Business NSW and the NSW Tourism Industry Council at the Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 29th May 2024

Business NSW recognised Kiama for outstanding appeal, high quality visitor experience, sustainable tourism and effective marketing.

Chair Matt Brown said the win was fitting recognition for the many local businesses and community members who make Kiama a welcoming and exceptional place for visitors and added “we are thrilled to receive this award on behalf of our entire community, who not only create a welcoming environment but also a townful of amazing ambassadors.

“This award recognises our many and varied local businesses who, with the support of Destination Kiama, have made Kiama as a top destination in NSW and beyond.”

Kiama Council Chief Executive Jane Stroud said Kiama exemplified the best of regional NSW with a seamless blend of nature, history, and community spirit, commenting "Destination Kiama has done a fantastic job, working with our whole community, to build support for our local visitor economy.

“This also demonstrates the invaluable role regional councils play in their local economies, encouraging innovative tourism, manufacturing and retail opportunities.”

The Ballina Tourism Team is thrilled that Ballina has been awarded silver at the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.

Alanah Ward, Team Leader of Visitor Services enthused “after an intense competition among nine finalist destinations, which included public voting and the submission of a comprehensive four-day itinerary, editorial article, destination video, and detailed marketing campaign materials. Ballina stood out in the category for towns with a population over 5,000 residents along with Kiama who took out the gold award. This award recognises towns across New South Wales that exhibit a strong commitment to tourism and deliver an exceptional visitor experience.”

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader added “winning the silver award is a remarkable recognition of the dedication and passion our community pours into making the Ballina Coast and Hinterland an engaging and inviting destination.

"This award is a celebration of our vibrant town and everyone who helps make our visitors’ stays memorable. We are thrilled to have this award and are motivated to keep the momentum going!”

The Award highlights the spirit of community and the significant role that tourism plays in supporting local economies. It is a testament to Ballina’s vibrant charm and the collective efforts of all those who contribute to enhancing our visitors' experiences.

Images: Kiama's Bombo Beach (top, credit: AdobeStock) while the lower image shows Alanah Ward, Team Leader of Visitor Services and Councillor Eva Ramsey (centre) accepting Ballina’s NSW Top Tourism Town Silver Award presented by the NSW Tourism Minister John Graham and Paula Martin, Executive Director NSW Tourism Industry Council.