It might be time for a staycation because Pokolbin is clearly the place to be.
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This year's Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards has recognised Pokolbin as the top destination in NSW, as well as naming it as the second best destination in Australia.
Cessnock City mayor Bob Pynsent said it was an "honour" for the popular wine country township to be recognised in the awards.
"It's exciting and encouraging that Pokolbin has been recognised as a 2021 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Finalist," he said. "Pokolbin has had a tough 12 months with drought, bushfires and COVID-19 all heavily impacting tourism to the town. But we have an incredibly resilient community there who managed to pull through despite the odds.
"This nomination is a testament to that resilience. It's been awesome to see people returning to Pokolbin. You can feel the buzz in the air again.
"It's a place that perfectly characterises the relaxation, celebration, heritage and charm of wine country. It's an honour for it to be recognised for all it has to offer."
In its fourth year, the annual awards recognise some of the country's best destinations while also promoting the local tourism industry.
Certainly since COVID restrictions eased, Pokolbin has been packed every weekend with business booming, especially people looking to get out of Sydney for the weekend.
"After the last twelve months, this year's awards are more important than ever," Daniel Finch, Wotif managing director said. "It's time to recognise and celebrate the people and communities behind some of Australia's finest tourism destinations - who continue to work tirelessly and adapt."
Pokolbin was second to Cairns for the top spot in the tourism awards with the awards judged on a number of components including affordability, accommodation, reviews, flexibility and leisure appeal. Mudgee, Port Macquarie and The Entrance also made the top 10.