Huskisson has been named the country’s Top Tiny Tourism Town at Australia's Top Tourism Town Awards 2024.
The win follows Huskisson being crowned NSW’s Top Tiny Tourism Town earlier this year.
The Tiny Tourism Town award recognises towns with a population under 1500 people that offer world-class experiences and are committed to increasing visitation to their region.
Pictured (left to right): Destination NSW Acting Director Product & Distribution Development Jenny Mitchell; NSW Tourism Association CEO Natalie Godward, Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP; Kristy Mayhew; NSW Tourism Association Chair Lori Modde; Destination NSW General Manager Visitor Economy Strategy Review Stephen Mahoney.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Congratulations to Huskisson on being named Australia’s Top Tiny Tourism Town for 2024. Located in the heart of the NSW South Coast, Huskisson is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
“The South Coast is apowerhouse for the visitor economy. In the year ending March 2024, domestic visitors spent $4.2 billion in the region.
“Destination NSW has a laser focus on ensuring the visitor economy continues to grow on the South Coast through its capability-building NSW First industry program, marketing initiatives and vibrant events calendar.”
Shoalhaven City Council's Tourism & Economic Development Manager Kristy Mayhew said: “For Huskisson to win this award is a huge achievement for our city and highlights the warmth of the community when it welcomes visitors from across the country.
“Our small business-owners work so hard to deliver exceptional services and I am so proud of their passion and dedication.”
Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards 2024 winners were announced at Parliament House in Canberra this morning. Devonport in Tasmania was named Australia’s Top Tourism Town, while Exmouth in Western Australia won the Small Tourism Town category.
Australian Tourism Industry Council CEO Erin McLeod said: "Each of the winning towns are a treasure trove of unique experiences, where stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich heritage come together to create unforgettable journeys."
Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards Chairman Shaun de Bruyn said: “Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards highlights regional tourism in Australia, bringing warm and heartfelt destinations into the spotlight.
“These awards showcase the unique charm of Australia's regional towns, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and local community pride. These towns really demonstrate the positive impacts that tourism has on regional destinations.”
Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards form part of the Quality Tourism Framework, an integrated online system that includes awards programs, business development tools and a suite of Quality Tourism programs supporting small, medium and regional tourism businesses to enhance their quality, accessibility and sustainability.
For more information about the awards and the 2024 winners and finalists, please visit https://www.toptourismtowns.com.au/
To learn more about the Quality Tourism Framework, visit https://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/
Accolades flow for South Coast visitor economy businesses
Tathra Beach Eco Camp has won 2024 Business of the Year at the 2024 Business NSW Far South Coast Business Awards.
The camping, glamping and accommodation park also took out the Excellence in Sustainability Award.
"A huge thank you to our incredible and passionate team of superstar staff, our supportive guests and community for making this possible," the business said.
"Together, we're paving the way for a greener future and setting new standards in excellence. Here’s to more sustainable business success ahead!"
The 2024 Narooma Oyster Festival, which was supported proudly by Destination NSW, won the Visitor Experience Award.
TRC Tourism won the Excellence in International Business award.
All award winners from the night will represent the Far South Coast at the upcoming NSW Business Awards on October 30 at the International Convention Centre Sydney.
