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A national award is set to boost Port Fairy’s profile and tourist numbers. The town has been named Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year for 2019 with the announcement to be made Wednesday morning. Moyne Shire mayor Mick Wolfe said he was thrilled to see Port Fairy take number one spot. “It’s fantastic news for the town,” he said. Cr Wolfe said the award had come on the back of long-term efforts and investments made by people in the community. “It’s taken a lot of effort by a lot of people over many years,” he said. “It’s a just reward for the whole town.” He said Port Fairy would get national publicity as a result of the award and he expected that would naturally increase interest and tourism in the town. Wotif is a leading online travel website and each year recognises 10 locations across the country that have contributed to tourism. Queensland’s Mackay was the inaugural winner of the competition last year and has enjoyed incredible success since. Wotif spokesman Chris Milligan said in the week following the announcement accommodation interest in Mackay spiked by 95 per cent. Accommodation interest in Mackay was also up 75 per cent in the past 12 months. Mr Milligan said Port Fairy’s positive accommodation reviews played a significant part in the town securing this year’s top spot. “It’s a testament to the tourist operators in Port Fairy,” he said. Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.

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