Coral Bay was awarded second place in the GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards, small town category, at the Regional Tourism Conference awards ceremony in Geraldton, Western Australia, on May 5.

Capping off a successful tourism conference organised by the Tourism Council WA, the awards have become a highly-anticipated part of the annual get-together of the State's leading tourism operators. Stephanie Leca, Tourism Manager at Shire of Carnarvon, accepted the award on behalf of the Shire of Carnarvon and the community of Coral Bay.

“I'm so happy that the work tourism operators in Coral Bay have put into their destination has been recognised on a state-wide level,” said Ms Leca. “It's a real reflection of the hard work they've invested in raising awareness that Coral Bay is much more than just a beautiful spot for a snorkel or a stay in the caravan park.”

Coral Bay has established itself as the go-to destination for tourists and adventure-seekers, keen to experience world-class, unique experiences either in the sky or under water. It's possible for visitors to swim with whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, and other marine life at certain times of the year, an offering that few places in the world are currently able to offer.

The landscape and natural beauty of this tiny dot on the map on the Coral Coast Highway has seen a large increase in visitor numbers – and that's despite the affects of a global pandemic, unusually damaging weather events, and a general lack of international visitors to uplift visitor numbers. Shire of Carnarvon President, Eddie Smith, was equally thrilled with Coral Bay's success. “I would like to congratulate all those who have worked so hard to put together such an appealing tourism offering for Coral Bay,” said Mr Smith. Visitor numbers prove that travellers in the region want more than just a beautiful beach to enjoy – and Coral Bay has that, and so much more for every age group who arrives in our little seaside town.”

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Emily Allen, Marketing and PR Manager,

Australia's Coral Coast,

marketing@australiascoralcoast.com;

Interview opportunities Dixie Battersby from DB Publicity on 0413 382 201 or dixie2266@internode.on.net or the Shire President Eddie Smith directly on 0438 911 465 or cr.esmith@carnarvon.wa.gov.au