NEW Norfolk has been named the third best tourism town in the nation at the Australia’s Top Tourism Town awards.
The national awards announced last week were a follow-up from New Norfolk being named Tasmania’s Top Tourism Town with a population over 5000 earlier in the year.
New Norfolk was entered into the competition by Derwent Valley Tasmania, a grassroots collective of tourism operators in the region, who have worked together for the last five years to promote tourism in the region.
Fiona Weaver, who runs Tassie Bound Adventure Tours, Wild Island Women and who committed much time and energy to New Norfolk’s entry in the competition, said she always knew the town was a top contender.
“We’ve got the mighty River Derwent as a stunning backdrop and views that inspired an opera, but it is the personalities behind New Norfolk that make this place so special,” Ms Weaver said.
“There are faces behind the businesses, attractions and activities who will give you their time and impart their local knowledge.”
“We are all so excited to welcome everyone back when borders open next month and give visitors an unquestionably Derwent Valley stay.”
Glen Derwent’s Liz Virtue commends the changes she has seen in the Valley since she first moved here.
“In the five years since we brought Glen Derwent, I’ve noticed tourism operators collaborating a lot more, we’re in a far better place and it’s been an enormous change in five years,” Ms Virtue said.
“We’ve been working together and developing our home; the recognition is a culmination of years and years of hard work.”
Ms Virtue also commended the assistance from the Derwent Valley Council, who among other things, contributed drone stunning footage towards the entry video.
Derwent Valley Mayor Ben Shaw was ecstatic after the town’s recognition.
“I’m so excited that our town has been judged in the top three places to visit in Australia,” Mr Shaw said.
“We must give thanks to all the people involved in the submission and everyone involved in the tourism sector in our region.”
“We have a beautiful place to live in, it’s exciting to be able to share it with the rest of the world.”
First place was taken out by Mugee in New South Wales, with Queensland’s Noosa coming second.