Kiama is taking on the tourism big guns in the most anticipated ballot for 2025: the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards.
Voting for the awards closes this Sunday (4 May), with Kiama facing off against larger rivals in Newcastle and Shellharbour.
Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters has thrown down the gauntlet to our opponents in the final days of campaigning.
"We're the little town with the big heart. We might not have a stadium or an airport, but what we do have is soul, scenery, and some of the best hospitality in NSW."
"We're not trying to be flashy. Kiama's charm is its authenticity, waterfalls, blowholes, rolling hills, and the warm welcome of a tight-knit community."
"It's the kind of place people come for a weekend and end up wanting to live here."
Destination Kiama Chair Matt Brown said the NSW Top Tourism Awards were not just about tourism, but a vote for your local baristas, artists, shopkeepers, chefs, bus drivers and tour guides right through to the people who make up hotel beds and clean bathrooms.
"Your vote is a vote for every local who goes above and beyond to make visitors feel at home."
"We like a good David vs Goliath story and who doesn't want to see Kiama knock off the big cities?"
Cr Brown said voting was online, without all the hassles of lining up and filling in voting forms for 'that other ballot' this weekend.
Voting closes 11.59pm, Sunday 4 May.
https://nswtourismassoc.kartra.com/survey/TopTourismTown
Photo: Our Destination Kiama team accepting the Top Tourism Town Award 2024 - yes we're defending champions
