Exmouth has won Gold in the Small Tourism Town category of the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards in Canberra today, while Graeme Dearle of Pemberton Discovery Tours has been awarded Silver in the Australian Top Tour Guide category.
The Top Tourism Town Awards, part of the Australian Tourism Awards series, showcases the value of tourism to towns and communities across Australia, and celebrates the diversity of regional destinations from all over the country.
Busselton was Western Australia's finalist in the Top Tourism Town category, and Kalbarri was a finalist in the Tiny Tourism Town category.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the winner and finalists from WA had demonstrated an exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality experiences.
"Exmouth is known as the gateway to the nearby Ningaloo Marine Park and is popular for diving and snorkelling. The town really comes together to promote its natural beauty on land and in the water as one of the world's top destinations for marine wildlife," Mr Hall said.
Graeme was WA's national finalist after winning the FACET Golden Guide Award earlier this year.
"Graeme has an extensive knowledge and deep connection to the region, a proactive and guest-centric approach, and passion for his craft," Mr Hall said.
The Australian Top Tourism Town Awards are presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council and supported by Tourism Australia, Qantas and Storytowns, with finalists in each category having won at a state level through a process involving industry panel judges and a public vote. This is the fourth year the Top Tourism Town Awards have been run nationally, with the program having a lengthy history in WA.
