Victoria's Top Tourism Town Awards have been announced and Bendigo has taken gold in the Top Tourism Town category and Heathcote has won bronze in the Top Small Tourism Town Award.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the wins capped off an exciting few months for Greater Bendigo.
"We are thrilled to have won these awards, which recognise the importance of tourism to regional communities," Cr Metcalf said.
"Our visitor economy has roared back to life, with our Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition leading the charge to draw people back to our region. Over many years the City of Greater Bendigo and the local industry have worked hard to build our arts and culture brand and it is wonderful to see these efforts rewarded again.
"We are delighted that people have found Bendigo and Heathcote to be such wonderful and memorable places to visit, and I could not be prouder of the way our local business community has rallied to warmly welcome people back as pandemic restrictions have eased.
"Tourism is so important to us and we have an amazing and passionate local industry of hospitality, accommodation, attraction, marketing and other professionals that are wonderful ambassadors for our region - so these awards are a win for everyone that contributes to this critical part of our economy."
As the winner of the Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000), Bendigo will now go onto compete at Australia's Town Tourism Town Awards to be announced in the next few months.
