Aireys Inlet is tops for tiny tourism

THE natural charm and superb location of Aireys Inlet have been recogised as tops in tiny tourism across the whole of Victoria.

The coastal town on the Great Ocean Road was one of only 17 finalists in this year’s Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, and beat out four other finalsts in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category for towns with a population below 1,500.

Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Association (AITTA) members and Ocean Inlet operators Anne and David Dansick represented the town to collect the award at a special event in Sorrento on July 26.

Mrs Dansick said winning the award was very exciting for not only the association’s members but also for the whole of Aireys Inlet.

“Thanks to Melissa McDonald from AITTA for submitting the award-winning application, which described the picturesque and peaceful town which offers so much for visitors to see and do and is the perfect base to explore the Great Ocean Road.”

Aireys Inlet was judged ahead of Jamieson, Murchison, Noojee and Red Hill South in the Top Tiny Tourism Town category.

The 2023 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards also named Ballarat as this year’s TAC Victorian Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000), while Sorrento took the win for the Top Small Tourism Town Award (population between 1,500 and 5,000).

All three Victorian winners will now go on to compete for the title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town, which will be announced on September 14 at Parliament House, Canberra.

 

The awards, hosted by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), recognise and celebrate towns that provide an outstanding visitor experience.

VTIC chief executive officer Felicia Mariani said the awards showcased the diverse range of regional destinations in Victoria and the economic impact tourism brings to these towns.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our regional towns and centres across Victoria and these awards celebrate the commitment of these destinations to delivering the very best experiences, ensuring they create magical memories for their visitors to cherish.”

This year’s Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards were delivered with the support of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) as the naming rights partner.

TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said the TAC’s sponsorship provided an important opportunity to promote road safety through tourism.

“These awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the value of regional towns across Victoria, and highlight the powerful platform they hold in communicating vital road safety messages to those travelling across our state’s vast road network.”