Willie Creek Pearls, Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge among swag of Kimberley-based WA Tourism Awards finalists

A host of Kimberley businesses have been named finalists in the WA Tourism awards, including the Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge which is up for awards in an astonishing four categories. Announced on September 21, five Kimberley businesses have been named to a combined nine different award categories for the milestone 50th year of the awards. Willie Creek Pearls has been named finalist in two categories; Tourist Attraction, and Tourism Retail and Hire Services — continuing a tradition of recognition which last year saw the business nominated in three categories and in 2020 saw them win 10 awards. Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge has been named finalist in the ecotourism, cultural tourism, tour and transport operators and unique accommodation categories. The Kununurra Visitor’s Centre is up for the visitor information services award. HeliSpirit was named in the major tour and transport operators award finalist list, and Broome-based Absolute Ocean Charters in the tour and transport operators award. Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said finalists should all be “exceptionally proud” of their contribution to the development of WA’s tourism industry. Since 1972, the awards program has been providing tourism operators with the opportunity to review their business goals, reflect on their successes, and celebrate WA’s tourism sector,” he said. “Celebrating the 50th year of the program brings home the longevity of the WA Tourism Awards and its important place within the tourism industry. “Through passion and perseverance, multiple generations of WA’s tourism industry have participated in a process that not only celebrates business excellence, but strategically analyses and improves tourism business’ operations.” Award winners will be announced at a gala dinner held at Crown Perth on November 5, with gold medal winners going on to represent WA at the Australian Tourism Awards.