The category is open to towns of more than 5000 people, and the submission was based around a four-day, three-night itinerary that allowed visitors to enjoy what Shepparton has to offer.
“Our local businesses and community groups have worked especially hard to grow the tourism offering for our region, and this award celebrates their dedication,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said.
“Shepparton is home to a number of unique and expanding tourism offerings such as the new Shepparton Art Museum, Museum of Vehicle Evolution, Australian Botanic Gardens and Kaiela Arts, which have all contributed to positioning Shepparton as a desirable visitor destination at a state and national level.”
And the surrounding small towns get plenty of love too, with day trips planned for tourists to enjoy everything the region has to offer.
“Expanding the region’s core tourism offering to complement our strong major events calendar has been a priority in growing our visitor economy, with increased tourism visitation providing benefits to a wide diversity of local business,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
The award acknowledges the diversity, high-level visitor experiences and community collaboration of outstanding regional destinations.
“‘We are incredibly proud of the recognition of Shepparton as a Top Tourism Town,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“I encourage our local community to support this great achievement and place a vote for Shepparton and show the rest of the state how great our city is.”
Members of the public can vote for Shepparton as the Top Tourism Town, with polls open until Tuesday, May 31.
Victorian winners will be announced in July, and if successful will then be judged for the National Top Tourism Town Awards.
Vote for Shepparton at www.vtic.com.au/toptourismtown