Orange has been named as one of the six top emerging travel destinations in Australia and the Pacific region.
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And in a second boost to local tourism it has also been named as the location for a major wine industry conference next year.
A panel of five top travel bloggers and influencers with a combined social media following of 1.2 million people, have picked Orange for the travel award after it was nominated by Destination NSW.
The US website travellemming.com named Orange alongside the Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park near Coonabarabran, Tasmania, Lord Howe Island, Wellington in New Zealand and Kangaroo Island.
It is now in the running for a ‘Readers Pick’ award where people can vote for their favourite location on the website.
Foodies and oenophiles are flocking to the Orange region.
- Travel Influencer Award judges' finding.
The judges said Orange was the “colour of relaxation” boasting great food, wine and history.
“Foodies and oenophiles are flocking to the Orange region for its mouthwatering fare and burgeoning wine scene,” they said.
“You can thank the rich volcanic soils here, which help spawn deliciously fresh produce that is served up in the area's surprisingly diverse array of restaurants.”
The judges also encouraged visitors to take the self-guided Orange Heritage Trail and visit the Orange Regional Gallery.
The 2019 Wine Industry IMPACT conference will be held in Orange next September.
Wine Industry Suppliers Association executive officer Matthew Moate said about 300 delegates from Australia’s 65 wine regions were expected to attend.
NSW Wine President and Swinging Bridge Wines owner Tom Ward said it was important for Orange.
“Our ability to attract such a high-calibre national event is a significant win,” he said.
“Wine producers in Orange and surrounding regions rely heavily on the success of their direct-to-consumer wine and tourism sales channels and this conference will deliver across those areas.”
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