Local tourism on top

FOUR Western Australian tourism businesses were winners at the Qantas National Tourism Awards, with industry stalwart Laurie O'Meara also recognised for his individual contribution.

Aboriginal-owned wilderness camp Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, in the Kimberley, won the indigenous tourism category, while Faraway Bay bush camp won the unique accommodation award.

Mandurah's Café Pronto won the tourism restaurants and catering services category, the first time the business has made it to a national award.

In recent months, the restaurant has won a WA Tourism Award, a Peel Region Business Excellence Award, and was named Peel's Barista of the Year for the second consecutive year.

The accolades come just two years after the cafe re-opened following a 12-month, $1.7 million renovation.

Café Pronto owners Kerry and Tracey Brown said the awards were a boost not only for the business, but also for Mandurah as a tourist destination.

"This win shows that locals and visitors to Mandurah can enjoy great food, great service and good times at Café Pronto," Mr Brown said.

The Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association won the award for best visitor information services for the second consecutive year.

AMRTA chief executive Francine Errico said the association was one of the few non-government funded not-for-profit visitor organisations in Australia to have built on independent income streams.

The outstanding contribution by an individual at a national level was awarded to Mr O'Meara, in recognition of his efforts in developing the Australian tourism accreditation program, which provided consistency in service and the types of tourism products.