Victor Harbor has taken out the 2023 SA Top Tourism Town award, announced at the South Australian Tourism Conference on Tuesday 30 May.

The south coast town also won the People’s Choice Award, determined through a public voting process enabling visitors and locals to voice their opinions and celebrate their favourite South Australian town.

A spokesperson for the City of Victor Harbor says the awards are reward for a significant amount of work that has occurred as a collaboration between the council and the local chamber of commerce, Business Victor Harbor, to develop a new destination brand for Victor Harbor.

"Our new brand centres around the positioning statement of 'Feel It Calling', drawing on the gravitational pull that draws people to Victor Harbor, but also creating a sense of excitement about what Victor Harbor has to offer.

"We have a brand new Causeway, revitalised Mainstreet and Railway Precincts, as well as our new Visitor Centre. We have also developed a great program of vibrant events, and a flourishing arts and culture sector.

"We would like to thank everyone who voted for Victor Harbor, and also thank our community for making our town the wonderful place it is!"

The Top Tourism Town Awards were introduced in 2021 to showcase the value of tourism to towns and communities across Australia and celebrate outstanding regional destinations.

The South Australian Top Tourism Town program is delivered by the Tourism Industry Council (TiCSA).

It recognises towns in SA that offer amazing visitor experiences and demonstrate a strong commitment to encouraging tourism and increasing visitation.

Coober Pedy, representing the Outback, received the 2023 SA Small Tourism Town Award. The Yorke Peninsula town of Port Broughton was named the 2023 SA Tiny Tourism Town.

TiCSA Chief Executive Officer Shaun de Bruyn has commended the winners and entrants.

“We congratulate the winners and the entrants of the 2023 South Australian Top Tourism Town Awards for their contributions to the vibrancy and appeal of our state’s tourism industry.

“Each tourism town adds its own distinct charm to South Australia, providing amazing experiences to visitors from within SA, around Australia, and around the world.”

Andy Glen, Chair of the South Australian Visitor Information Centre Network says the Network is delighted to have supported the Top Tourism Town program again in 2023.

“We are extremely proud of our Visitor Information Centre members for assisting towns to enter, the quality of the submissions, and the overall benefit that entrants will receive from their participation.

“Congratulations to each category winner along with all entrants – South Australia is truly a great state to work, live and play.”

The three winning towns will go on to represent South Australia at the national Australian Top Tourism Town Awards later this year.