Caloundra named Queensland’s Top Tourism Town

Caloundra

Queensland’s best holiday hotspots and local treasures have been revealed in the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards, with the coastal escape of Caloundra named the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town.

Presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), the annual Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate regional communities that demonstrate a commitment to visitor excellence.

After an extensive judging process and public voting campaign, the coastal escape of Caloundra was named the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said this was a wonderful achievement for everyone involved.

“Positivity and business confidence breeds success and I congratulate the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Caloundra Taskforce for their efforts in showcasing our unique destination,” said Mr Landsberg.

“It is great to see our family friendly Caloundra in the spotlight and receive the recognition it deserves.

“Caloundra Music Festival was recently named Festival of the Year at the Qld Music Awards, and now this tourism accolade reflects on all the things that make our town shine for visitors and locals alike.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Brett Fraser congratulated Caloundra and all the finalists in this year’s Awards.

“The Top Tourism Town Awards shine a light on Queensland’s regional gems and reward communities united in delivering memorable holiday experiences.

“While attractions may drive guests to a destination, it is the warm welcome and meaningful customer service that has visitors leaving with a sense of wonderment. Congratulations to the winning communities for their remarkable efforts.

In addition, Sunshine Coast tour operator and owner of Joel’s Journeys, Joel McPherson, took out the inaugural award for Queensland Top Tourism Guide.

Operating out of Noosa and providing expert tours for small groups across the Sunshine Coast, Joel McPherson’s passion for storytelling, inspiring guests with a sense of wonderment and a deep appreciation for the Sunshine Coast, and commitment to tourism saw him presented with the inaugural Queensland Top Tour Guide Award.

State winners from the Top Tourism Town Awards will go on to represent Queensland at the national awards held later in the year, where they have the chance to be crowned the best in Australia

Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000) finalists and winner:

• Caloundra - WINNER
• Bowen
• Bundaberg
• Redcliffe
• Rockhampton
• Tamborine Mountain
• Townsville

Queensland Top Tour Guide

• Joel McPherson from Joel’s Journeys – WINNER
• Betty Burrows from Sarina Sugar Shed
• Russel Hosp from Passions of Paradise

*Source: Peter Hook, Communications Consultant, Visit Sunshine Coast, 
E peter.hook@visitsunshinecoast.com | W visitsunshinecoast.com