More than 1,000 tourism operators from across Western Australia last night gathered for the industry's night of nights - the 2006 WA Tourism Awards.
More than 1,000 tourism operators from across Western Australia last night gathered for the industry's night of nights - the 2006 WA Tourism Awards.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the industry leaders gathered at Burswood Entertainment Complex to acknowledge excellence across 27 tourism-related categories.
Rottnest Island Authority Board chair and Tourism Western Australia deputy chair Laurie O'Meara received the night's major accolade, the Sir David Brand Medal for 2006.
Ms McHale said that during Mr O'Meara's 20-plus years in the tourism industry, he had remained passionate about quality service, professional development and the need to improve industry standards.
"Laurie's service to tourism has seen the commitment of personal time, experience and expertise to many boards and associations outside his own business with much of it on a voluntary basis," she said.
"He has a strong personal commitment to accreditation and ensuring widespread take-up of quality practices that improve visitor experiences."
The Minister said the Sir David Brand Medal acknowledged an individual's remarkable personal and professional contribution to the WA tourism industry over a number of years.
Willie Creek Pearl Farm near Broome dominated several award categories and was awarded the evening's second major award, the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism.
Willie Creek is the only pearl farm in the Kimberley offering tours to the public which provide an insight into pearl farming and modern pearling techniques.
The Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association won the inaugural General Tourism Services - Visitor Centre award for excellence in visitor servicing and enhancing visitor experiences.
In other results, Natalie Bowden received the Sir David Brand Young Achiever award; Fremantle Prison won the Major Tourist Attraction award; Bibbulmun Track the Significant Tourist Attraction; Seashells Resort Mandurah the New Tourism Development award; the Multiplex Avon Descent the Significant Festivals and Events accolade and Kepa Kurl Enterprises won the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Award.
