THE PERTH Mint made a sterling debut at the recent 2000 WA Tourism Awards for Excellence, winning three gold awards in the categories of heritage and cultural tourism, tourism retailing, and tourism marketing and promotional campaigns.
This year, the awards were more evenly divided between Perth and the regions than has been the case, with eleven city winners including the Perth Zoo for the major tourist attractions category and Telstra Rally Australia for the major tourist attractions category.
The Kimberley region was once again dominant with eight awards including the Sir David Brand Award and the Sir David Brand Medal.
El Questro’s win in the Sir David Brand Award was its fourth since 1995.
El Questro also won the unique accommodation category for the third successive year.
Kimberley tour operator Trevor Tough was recognised for his lifetime achievement and contribution to tourism, winning the Sir David Brand Medal.
New entrant North Star Charters won the new tourist developments award for its luxury charter boat on the Kimberley waterways.
Other first time entries that came away winners included Mounts Bay Village, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tourist Bureau and the Lilac Hill Festival Match.
Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat had its third win in the environmental tourism category and Leeuwin Estate won the tourism wineries category for the second successive year.
In the South West, Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Gloucester Ridge Winery and Café Restaurant, and Taunton Farm Caravan Park each won their categories for the third time, gaining them entry into next year’s Hall of Fame.
Kooljaman at Cape Leveque, Fine Woodcraft Gallery in Pemberton and Central Metropo-litan College of TAFE were inducted into the Hall of Fame for winning their category three times over five years up to 1999.
Kevin Coate, a guide with CALM’S Landscope Expeditions, was named the 2000 FACET Golden Guide.
Category winners automatically become finalists in the Australian Tourism Awards which will be announced in Canberra on 8 December.
