The City of Greater Bendigo has collected more gongs for its visitor services after being named the state’s top tourism town.

Bendigo added to previous tourism accolades on Thursday night after taking out gold at Victoria’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

It’s now in the running for the national title and will go on to compete in the national awards which will be announced in coming months.

Heathcote took out the Top Small Tourism Town award and Mount Macedon claimed the inaugural award for Top Tiny Tourism Town.

Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf said the rewards recognised the importance of tourism to regional towns.

“Over many years the City of Greater Bendigo and the local industry have worked hard to build our arts and culture brand and it is wonderful to see these efforts rewarded again,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Bendigo Visitor Centre has taken out its second Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, placing it in the top ten per cent of listings on the digital travel recommendation site.

The centre is currently rated second out of 83 things to do in Bendigo, with an overall 4.5 star rating.

The Travellers’ Choice Award recognises businesses that have received good traveller reviews from around the globe over the last 12 months.

Visitor Services Manager Jemma Docherty paid tribute to staff and volunteers at the visitor centre.

“We have a great team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, who staff the centre seven days a week, every day except Christmas Day,” Ms Docherty said.

She say Bendigo has emerged from covid-19 as a leading destination with a range of tourist drawcards, including the exclusive Elivs blockbuster exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery.

“Our Visitor Centre has been the busiest it has ever been with a high demand for our services from visitors from across the state,” she said.

 Bendigo’s Visitor Centre also won a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2020.

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