Busselton Jetty and Sandalford Wines made big showings at the 47th WA Tourism Awards, picking up several gold awards and distinctions between them.
Busselton Jetty and Sandalford Wines made big showings at the 47th WA Tourism Awards, picking up several gold awards and distinctions between them.
The ceremony, which is sponsored by Perth Airport and presented by Tourism Council WA, recognised tourism operators across 31 categories, with winners in 25 of those categories going on to represent WA at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in March 2020.
Perth Airport chief executive Kevin Brown said the awards are an opportunity to thank the state’s tourism operators for their work promoting the state.
“Perth is the natural entry point to Australia for the majority of the world’s population," said Mr Brown.
"Western Australia has so many amazing tourism experiences to offer these travellers, whether they are here for work, a conference, to study or as tourists."
Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said the awards had a long history of celebrating and recognising excellence and innovation from the state’s tourism operators.
“The longevity and process of the awards really does mean that those operators which take home medals are the best tourism businesses Western Australia has on offer,” he said.
Busselton Jetty picked up two gold awards on the night, for major tourist attraction and ecotourism, as well as the prestigious Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, which in the past has been won by Kings Park Botanic and Gardens as well as Broome’s Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa.
Australia’s South West chief executive Catrin Allsop commended Busselton Jetty for the win, saying the location had helped to connect heritage and community in the region.
“The unprecedented awards won [by operators in the region] highlight the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism of the people delivering these experiences, which makes the South West such a vibrant destination, appealing to intrastate, interstate and international markets,” she said.
Sandalford Wines, which won the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism in 2015, also picked up two gold awards on the night, as well as being inducted into the hall of fame.
Chief executive Grant Brinklow said the wins, which followed on from the ‘Gourmet Feast in the Valley’ festival hosted in the Sandalford vineyard this past weekend, reflected the long-term vision of owners Peter and Debra Prendiville.
“We are constantly building on our achievements and are looking forward to many other positive outcomes such as future events and completing Sandalford’s redevelopment plans,” he said.
“After winning more than 80 major state and national tourism awards in the last 10 years[,] including the coveted Australian Tourism Award in 2017, we can truly say Sandalford is a must visit tourism attraction."
