Fans of Augusta and Margaret River can cast their votes for the towns in the 2019 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards, which has opened to a public vote for the first time.
A field of 20 towns from across Western Australia has been named as finalists across two categories in the highly coveted Awards program.
From 9am Thursday August 1, the public can vote online for their favourite town or city and go into the draw to win a $5,000 holiday in Western Australia or a $500 voucher to spend at any RAC Park or Resort.
The finalists in this year's GWN7 Top Tourism Town Award category are:
- Albany
- Armadale
- Busselton
- Dunsborough
- Esperance
- Exmouth
- Geraldton
- Kalbarri
- Karratha
- Margaret River
The finalists in the GWN7 Emerging Tourism Town Award category are:
- Augusta
- Carnarvon
- Cocos Keeling Islands
- Jurien Bay
- Laverton
- Northam
- Northcliffe & Windy Harbour
- Pemberton
- Tom Price
- Toodyay
The public vote will make up 70 per cent of the town's or city's score, with the other 30 per cent to be decided by a panel of industry judges.
"In response to feedback from entrants, the GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards has been reviewed and refreshed this year to include an element of consumer input," Visitor Centres WA Chair Matt Norton said.
"This allows the people who are travelling around Western Australia and visiting these towns and cities to have their say on who is putting their best foot forward to visitors."
Finalists have submitted a video showcasing their town, an itinerary, and content which can be reviewed by the public to decide who will get their vote.
Now in its 30th year, the GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards recognises cities and towns across Western Australia for their commitment to tourism and the innovative experiences and facilities on offer.
"The judges are on the look out for cities and towns with a co-operative approach to servicing visitors and which take pride in how they are seen by tourists," Mr Norton said.
The Top Tourism Town Award winner will receive a $25,000 airtime package to promote their town on regional television, with the winner of the Emerging Tourism Town Award picking up a $10,000 airtime package.
Award winners will be announced at the 2019 WA Regional Tourism Conference Dinner in Karratha on September 17.
Visit www.toptourismtown.com.au to cast your votes.
Voting closes 5pm, August 25.