Busselton has won the Gold in the 2024 7News Top Tourism Town Awards, at a ceremony held on Tuesday in Mandurah as part of the 2024 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference.
The awards recognise towns which are committed to tourism and offer visitors a unique and memorable holiday experience. MRBTA entered on behalf of Busselton, drawing on the City’s recent achievements including the launch of Jetstar’s direct air service from Sydney, new tourism offerings such as the Hilton Garden Inn and the development of Saltwater Busselton.
The Award is a direct reflection of the immense pride in our treasured coastal town, with the judging process including an online public vote which saw visitors and the Busselton community come forward to share their passion for their City.
Busselton will now go on to represent WA on the national stage at Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards in September, competing against the winning towns from each state.
Alongside the Top Tourism Town announcement, the ceremony saw local Wadandi custodian, Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming, receive the award for Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism. Josh began offering cultural tours and experiences 17 years ago, and was recognised for his exemplary commitment to preserving and sharing his culture. Through its Capes Foundation, MRBTA has worked closely with Josh on the development of cultural meeting places for his tours at Ngilgi Cave and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
Graeme Dearle from Pemberton Discovery Tours was also recognised with the FACET Golden Guide Award.
MRBTA CEO, Sharna Kearney reflected on this celebratory moment, saying:
“This is fantastic news for our region, with Busselton bringing home this prestigious award, and local cultural custodian Josh Whiteland receiving much deserved recognition for his outstanding work with Koomal Dreaming.
With the Top Tourism Town Award depending heavily on public voting, it is a direct reflection of the pride that locals and visitors alike share for our stunning seaside community. We now can’t wait to see how Busselton performs in the national competition.”
City of Busselton Acting Mayor, Anne Ryan was keen to emphasise Busselton’s unique offering:
“We are delighted to accept this state-wide recognition on behalf of the residents, businesses, community groups, volunteers and individuals who have contributed to the success of Busselton as the winner of the West Australian Top Tourism Town. Busselton will now go on to represent WA on the national stage at Australia’s Top Tourism Town Awards in September, competing against other states.”
“Our town boasts a fantastic foreshore, the Jetty, the new Hilton Garden Inn and a plethora of other accommodation offerings and of course stunning food and wine along some incredible natural coastal nodes.”
“Our airport is expanding, currently supporting six interstate flights per week to Sydney and Melbourne. We also have an exceptional events calendar, meaning there is plenty to enjoy in Busselton all year round.”
“One of the issues raised on a regular basis with residents is we are not like every other town and we want to be unique. This award also recognises our uniqueness.”
“I extend my congratulations to local Josh Whiteland, Wadandi business operator, for his well-deserved award too – well done Josh.”