Cessnock was voted as the 12th best tourist destination in the South Pacific region, the latest TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards have revealed.
Cessnock was competing against many major cities, including Sydney which claimed first place, but Cessnock was found to be one of the surprise inclusions of the list, sitting between Port Vila, Vanuatu and Wanaka, New Zealand.
The Travellers’ Choice Destinations honour top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers.
Cessnock City Council’s Mayor, Bob Pynsent, was delighted to see the positive feedback from visitors to the area.
“The attraction is the tranquillity of the rural setting and it’s a wonderful place for people from the city to chill out and relax,” he said.
“The major economic driver for the area is wine related tourism and we have approximately 2.2 million tourists staying overnight and visiting Hunter Valley Wine Country each year.”
“Our thriving City, which incorporates Hunter Valley Wine Country, has many attractions highlighting our culture, history and our way of life; not to mention showcasing our outstanding and award winning restaurants, wineries, golf courses, entertainment venues, boutique and resort-style accommodation.”
Cessnock is also recognised for attracting world-renowned performers and artists such as Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Alicia Keys and recently the performances of Bruce Springsteen, Hunters and Collectors and Jimmy Barnes.
Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
The following are the top 25 listed:
- Sydney, Australia
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Melbourne, Australia
- Brisbane, Australia
- Rotorua, New Zealand
- Port Douglas, Australia
- Taupo, New Zealand
- Blenheim, New Zealand
- Nelson, New Zealand
- Hobart, Australia
- Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Cessnock, Australia
- Wanaka, New Zealand
- Savusavu, Fiji
- Tauranga, New Zealand
- Christchurch, New Zealand
- Paihia, New Zealand
- Napier, New Zealand
- Luganville, Vanuatu
- Russell, New Zealand
- Dunedin, New Zealand
- Airlie Beach, Australia
- Kaikoura, New Zealand
- New Plymouth, New Zealand
- Byron Bay, Australia
