Bungle Bungle shines bright as operators take swag of gongs at WA Tourism Awards

Kimberley tourism operators shone bright at the industry’s annual State awards, with one popular location responsible for gongs in four categories.

The 50th year of the 2022 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards saw a wide range of Kimberley businesses recognised for their commitment to excellence over the past year at the awards gala dinner at Crown on November 5.

Eco-accommodation provider Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge was awarded gold in the unique accommodation category and silver in the ecotourism category.

Bungle Bungle Guided Tours received the gold cultural tourism award, and the silver tour and transport operators award.

They were joined by a host of other Kimberley operators, including the Kununurra Visitor Centre, which won bronze in the visitor information services award, HeliSpirit — which took out the silver award in major tour and transport operators category — and Willie Creek Pearls, which won gold in the tourism retail and hire services category, and gold in the tourist attractions award.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Halls said the landmark 50th year of the awards stood the test of time as an independent assessment of WA tourism businesses.

“All participants in the 2022 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards demonstrated a deep passion and commitment to making WA a diverse and welcoming tourism experience for guests,” he said.

“Tonight’s winners have gone up against exceptional competition from fellow tourism operators and can proudly state they are the best of the best.”

The tourism industry’s ultimate prize, the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, was presented to SeaLink WA for their focus on staff and guests, diversification of product, and re-investment in tourism.

All gold medal-winning businesses were judged for the opportunity to receive this prestigious accolade.

The highest individual honour in the WA tourism industry, the Sir David Brand Medal for Tourism, was awarded to Ronald ‘Doc’ Reynolds in recognition of his contribution to the development of Aboriginal tourism.

The gold medallists will go on to represent Western Australia at the Australian Tourism Awards.