Finalists in the prestigious 2017 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards were announced yesterday evening at an event attended by more than 150 tourism operators and industry representatives at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough.
The Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, now in its 45th year, highlight the quality and diversity of tourism attractions, amenities and experiences that Western Australia has to offer.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the Awards presented an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the outstanding customer service, innovation and business excellence the State’s tourism operators demonstrated.
“The people who make up Western Australia’s tourism industry are incredibly passionate about offering amazing experiences to our visitors. As has been the case every year since the Awards began in 1972, the calibre of entries has been high and we see a great diversity among the attractions, amenities and experiences represented,” he said.
This year has seen an increased amount of entries into the Ecotourism category, which recognises ecologically sustainable tourism with a focus on experiences in natural areas which emphasise environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
“As tourism in Western Australia evolves, we see this emerging through the entries into the Awards program – this year, more high-quality businesses entering the Ecotourism category reflects an increased interest in our natural tourism assets.”
There is even more exciting news for finalists this year, with Perth recently announced as the host city for the 2017 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be held in early 2018. Gold Medal winners in categories 1 to 25 go on to represent WA at the national awards.
“With Perth hosting the 2017 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, our Gold Medal Winners will represent Western Australia and contend for National medals on home soil early next year – a very exciting prospect for our finalists,” Mr Hall said.
Perth Airport Chief Corporate Services Officer Debra Blaskett said Perth Airport was delighted to continue as the naming rights sponsor of the 2017 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, in recognition of the importance of tourism in Western Australia.
“As the gateway to Western Australia, Perth Airport plays a critical role in supporting the tourism industry and these awards celebrates and rewards the extraordinary tourism experiences that we have on offer,” Ms Blaskett said.
The winners of the 2017 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards will be announced at a gala dinner held on 11 November at Crown Perth.