Town top for tourists

Broome has been crowned the top tourist town/region in the 25th annual GWN7 Top Tourism Awards 2014.

The Kimberley town fought off competition from Denmark and Margaret River to claim the title at a gala dinner in Kalgoorlie-Boulder last Thursday and a prize of television advertising on GWN7 worth $25,000.

The Derby Visitor Centre won the Judge's Award in a separate category. The accolades recognise the efforts made by a visitor centre within a town, city or region to attract and welcome visitors.

Run by the Visitor Centre Association of WA, they are aimed at helping raise the awareness and profile of the visitor servicing industry in the State.

GWN7, Tourism WA and The West Regional Newspapers are the sponsors.

The judges commented Broome was recognised as a visitor centre offering world-class experiences, and was well supported by the community and its members.

BVC general manager Nick Linton said he was thrilled to accept the accolade.

"Thank you for this prestigious award," he said.

"The Broome tourism industry has been working together to enhance the visitor experience. Our objective is to exceed the visitor's expectations."

The winner of The West Australian Regional Newspapers Golden i Award for Visitor Centre Leadership was Amy Johnston of the Kalgoorlie Boulder Pure Gold Visitor Centre.

She received a cheque for $1000 from award sponsor West Australian Regional Newspapers, as well as the perpetual trophy.