Australia's Top Tourism Awards have been announced in Canberra this morning with Bendigo winning silver in the 2024 Top Tourism Town category.
The national award recognises and celebrates towns that provide outstanding visitor experiences (with a population over 5,000).
Submissions were assessed based on written and video itinerary of the region, online user reviews of key attractions and a public vote.
Bendigo's four-day, three-night self-drive itinerary submission was curated for a couple visiting the region and promoted the best of Bendigo's arts and culture, heritage attractions and culinary specialties from Australia's first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the national award recognised Greater Bendigo as a must-see destination.
"We are thrilled to win silver in recognition of Bendigo's strong commitment to deliver the very best experiences and high-quality customer service for visitors," Cr Metcalf said.
"As our itinerary submission for the judges illustrated, our city offers a wonderful escape for visitors looking for a memorable break with so much to see from wine tasting, First Nations art to spiritual healing, local produce, and international exhibitions.
"We know that once visitors come here, they fall in love with Bendigo because it brings connection, inspiration and culturally enrichment, with something different and memorable on each visit.
"Our visitor experiences are highly regarded, but it is wonderful to be in endorsed in visitor reviews and the public vote.
"We are proud that our region has developed a strong arts and culture brand over many years with incredible events and attractions to draw people here with homegrown major events such as the Bendigo Easter Festival, and exclusive international exhibitions such as Paris at Bendigo Art Gallery.
"We know the visitor economy is crucial for our region's success, and I would like to congratulate our amazing and passionate businesses in hospitality, accommodation, retail and attractions, food and beverage producers and industry-related services who have contributed to this win."
Bendigo scooped gold and Heathcote won bronze at the 2024 TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards last July. The gold win in Victoria earned Bendigo a place as a finalist in the Australia's Top Tourism Awards.
Bendigo won silver in the Top Tourism Town category at the Australia Top Tourism Awards in 2022.
Earlier this year, Bendigo won the prestigious 2024 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year based on visitor reviews.
