Public voting open after Geraldton, Kalbarri named as finalists in the 2024 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards

In recent years, Geraldton has always been the bridesmaid, never the bride, at the Top Tourism Town Awards.

But the Mid West city has another chance to secure its moment in the sunshine and is again going for gold after being named a finalist.

Public voting is now open in the 2024 7NEWS Top Tourism Awards and the City of Greater Geraldton is urging the community — including locals and visitors — to get behind the cause and help Geraldton finally clinch the win.

Geraldton received silver medals in 2022 and 2023 in the top tourism town category with a population of more than 5000.

Its competition in this year’s awards include Busselton, Collie, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and Newman.

Kalbarri is also in the running to take out another category — tiny tourism town — with other finalists including Coral Bay, Denham, Dwellingup, Gascoyne Junction, Marble Bar, New Norcia, and Pemberton.

“There is some great competition, and we are calling on everyone who’s visited, planning a trip or lives here to help us claim the title of Top Tourism Town for 2024,” Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said.

“Geraldton has the best of coastal city living – we’ve got a vibrant CBD, fantastic local operators, breathtaking natural assets, near perfect year-round weather, world-class events, and a welcoming community.

“After receiving silver medals in 2022 and 2023 significantly more people are stopping off to enjoy the Mid West and a gold medal this year would assist in getting even more folk to experience the beauty of our region.”

The awards celebrate towns in WA that are dedicated to boosting tourism and is split in three categories — top tourism town, small tourism town and tiny tourism town.

If Geraldton is successful, it will secure a $20,000 television advertising package. Voters have the chance to win a $5000 WA travel voucher or a two-night stay at RAC Karri Valley Resort for two adults.

Voting closes on Wednesday, May 22 and the winners will be revealed at the 2024 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference on Wednesday, June 11.

To vote, go to www.westernaustralia.com/au/pages/top-tourism-town-awards