Ballarat has taken home bronze at the Top Tourism Town award at the Victorian Top Tourism Awards.
Warrnambool was awarded silver in the Top Tourism Town category and Bendigo claimed gold.
The tourism industry brings 2.8 million domestic visitors to Ballarat and generates more than $809 million dollars into the local economy annually.
This is the third time Ballarat has placed, taking out the title of Victoria's Top Tourism Town in 2021 and again in 2023.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said Ballarat is very deserving of this acknowledgement.
"Since the inception of this award, Ballarat has been recognised as one of the top destinations for people to visit," he said.
"Of course, we all know why, but it is great to share Ballarat with the rest of Victoria!
"As a Council, we're really proud of the part we play in supporting the tourism industry. Our contribution to Tourism Midwest Victoria as the region's Visitor Economy Partnership has put us in the best possible position for the growth of this important sector."
A partnership between local and state government, and the tourism industry, Tourism Midwest Victoria is designed to strengthen and grow Midwest Victoria's visitor economy.
Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair, the Hon. John Pandazopoulos said it takes a truly collaborative ground up approach to develop a thriving destination and this award recognises our region's commitment to this.
"It is a celebration of not only the excellent visitor experiences on offer across the region, but the dedication of our tourism operators, local businesses and community in making Ballarat and its beautiful surrounds the best they can be," he said.
