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[title]Eighteen towns across the state are in the running for the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards 2022.
The annual awards, which are held by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, recognise regional towns and centres that offer amazing visitor experiences.
Nominees are in for the three categories: Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000), Top Small Tourism Town (1,500-5,000) and Top Tiny Tourism Town (under 1,500).
Finalists must demonstrate a strong commitment to encouraging tourism; offer an excellent visitor experience; and exhibit collaboration between tourism operators, local businesses and the community to make their town the best destination it can be.
The public can now vote for their favourite towns, with voting closing 9am on May 31, 2022. By voting, you can enter into the draw to win a perfect Melbourne weekend for two.
The prize includes two nights' accommodation at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins in a Classic room with breakfast for two at the No 35 Restaurant; two dining vouchers to some of Melbourne's best restaurants; and tickets to the Lume Melbourne – Australia’s digital art gallery.
So which towns are up for awards? The finalists for Top Tourism Town are Ballarat, Bendigo, Echuca, Frankston, Lakes Entrance, Mildura, Shepparton and Werribee.
The finalists for Top Small Tourism Town are Heathcote, Port Fairy, Rochester and Sorrento.
The finalists for Top Tiny Tourism Town are Aireys Inlet, Fingal, Flinders, Mount Macedon, Noojee and Timboon.
Got great memories of visiting one of the above towns? Make your opinion known and you could be living it up in the state capital, while the towns that win in each category will represent Victoria at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards later in the year.
These awards are sponsored by Department of Transport, Prime 7, Storytowns and Time Out.