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'Fierce competition': tourism honours on the line as small towns muscle up on visitor experiences

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Size doesn’t matter when it comes to creating memorable experiences for tourists.

And smaller Sunshine Coast destinations are proving they deserve a pin on the must-visit tourist town map.

Now satisfied visitors can give them the recognition they need and be in the running to win a motorhome holiday valued at $2000.

Voting has opened in the 2022 Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

Scroll down to find out how to vote

This year, three of our regional towns are vying for honours in two of the three categories.

Eumundi and Rainbow Beach are both in the list for Top Small Tourism Town, against competition from Airlie Beach, Kuranda, Boonah and Port Douglas.

Rainbow Beach’s pristine waters. Picture: Shirley Sinclair

In Top Tiny Tourism Town, Imbil is in line for a tussle with Richmond, Winton, Quilpie, Canungra, Chillagoe, Hughendon, Kalbar, Linville and Marburg.

While Noosa took out Top Tourism Town in 2021, we have no shortlisted contestant in the category this year.

The awards recognise Queensland’s diverse and outstanding regional destinations, with 23 finalists across the state shortlisted.

The titles aim to reward towns that work together with their tourism operators, businesses and local community to make their destination the best it can be.

The QTIC website says the towns “must offer an amazing visitor experience, demonstrate strong commitment and encourage tourism and increased visitation”.

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The final score is made up of a variety of components including a video, itinerary and editorial submission but 25% of the final score is determined by public vote.

The Experience Eumundi Board (EEB) knows how important accolades are to bring more visitors to the revitalised, eclectic town or guarantee return trips.

The Imperial Hotel Eumundi in the main Street.

“We’re so proud of this incredible town and community with a dedication and warmth like no other place I’ve ever been,” EEB director Louise Formosa said.

“With over a million visitors a year, we’re counting on them to gain the votes we need to secure a win for this prestigious award.

“We’re up against some fierce competition.”

The public votes must be received by May 23.

Anyone who votes before that date goes into the draw to win an Apollo motorhome holiday package worth $2000.

Queensland winners will be announced on June 13.

Go to the website to vote.

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