Individual excellence recognised with awards presented at WA Tourism Conference

June 26, 2022

Environment / Marketing / Recreation / Tourism /

Three individuals have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to Western Australia’s tourism industry.

Presented this week at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner, the The FACET Golden Guide Award winner was announced as Jamie Van Jones from Salt and Bush Eco Tours.

Recognised for her passion and enthusiasm in creating memorable guest experiences, Jones was applauded by the judges for encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in nature and appreciate the local environment.

The Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism Award was awarded to Rosanna Angus from Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours, who impressed judges with her contribution to the public’s understanding of Aboriginal culture. Angus was recognised for her innovative leadership skills, particularly her focus on supporting and inspiring Aboriginal women.

Frances Pollock from Wooleen Station won the Individual Excellence in Customer Service Award, and was recognised for being a wonderful ambassador for the tourism industry. The judges praised her considered and friendly customer service journey that sees guests experience a personalised and authentic homestead experience.

Commenting on the Awards, Tourism Council WA Chief Executive, Evan Hall stated “the Western Australian tourism industry is made possible thanks to the passionate people who tirelessly work towards showcasing WA to visitors.

“The individual awards provided an opportunity for three of these people to be recognised for their commitment to creating innovative and friendly experiences to Western Australia’s visitors.”

The winners and finalists in each category were:

FACET Golden Guide Award
Winner
• Jamie Van Jones - Salt and Bush Eco Tours
Finalists
• Jacqueline Bullard - Busselton Jetty
• Belinda McCawley - Mindful in Nature
• Jamie Van Jones - Salt and Bush Eco Tours

Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism Winner
• Rosanna Angus - Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours

Individual Excellence in Customer Service
Winner
• Frances Pollock - Wooleen Station
Finalists
• Scott Alderson - Crown Perth
• Nic Chirico - SurfPoint Resort
• Jodie Cripps - HeliSpirit
• Sharon Edward - Donnelly River Village
• Tracy Lindsey - Off the Beaten Track WA
• Frances Pollock - Wooleen Station

2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards
In other awards presented during the conference dinner, Mandurah was named the winner of the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Award.
Mandurah claimed the Gold Medal in the Top Tourism Town category, with Geraldton claiming Silver and Esperance taking out Bronze. Mandurah will receive a $25,000 airtime package to promote the town on the regional television network GWN7.

In the Small Tourism Town category, the Gold Medal was awarded to Exmouth, which takes home a $10,000 airtime package from GWN7. The Silver Medal was won by Dwellingup.

In the new category of Tiny Tourism Town, the Gold Medal was awarded to Denham, with Gnowangerup winning Silver and Coolgardie claiming Bronze. Denham will receive a $5,000 airtime package to promote the town on GWN7.

The awards are run by Tourism Council WA and Visitor Centres WA, and are supported by GWN7, Vanguard Press, Tourism WA and RAC Parks & Resorts.

Host Town Selected for 2023 WA Regional Tourism Conference
Organisers of the WA Tourism Conference also announced that the 2023 WA Regional Tourism Conference will be held in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Advising that the conference partners were looking forward to bringing the 2023 WA Regional Tourism Conference to a destination with a high level of commitment to constantly improving its local tourism offering and appeal to visitors, Hall added “the 2023 WA Regional Tourism Conference is expected to attract more than 250 delegates from across Western Australia, with estimated expenditure in the destination of more than $200,000.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the surrounding region to tourism businesses and industry delegates from across Western Australia, who will then promote the destination to potential visitors.”

Image: Jamie Van Jones of Salt and Bush Eco Tours. Credit: Salt and Bush Eco Tours.

22nd June 2022 - Western Australian Tourism Conference hears how robots could fill staffing shortfalls

20th June 2022 - Western Australian Tourism Conference set to address industry revival

31st May 2022 - Western Australian National Parks to be made more accessible for people with disability

30th May 2022 - 2022 WA Day to feature Western Australia’s biggest drone light show

20th May 2022 - Tourism WA partners with United Kingdom’s tourism operators to Australia

10th May 2022 - Western Australia’s Bibbulmun Track approaches 25th anniversary

27th May 2022 - New website for jobseekers in Western Australia tourism and hospitality industry

21st April 2022 - Western Australian Government designates Tawarri Hot Springs a significant tourism project

14th April 2022 - Western Australian hospitality venues offered help in transition to becoming plastic free

1st April 2022 - Eighth national park created by Western Australian Government

4th March 2022 - Call for tourism industry investment after Western Australia’s border opening

3rd March 2022 - Tourism marketing blitz and free vouchers coincide with Western Australia border reopening

11th February 2022 - Western Australian events industry to share in $77 million support package

12th October 2021 - Tourism WA appoints former Perth Airport executive as its new Managing Director

1st October 2021 - Tourism WA secures five high-profile hockey events

12th August 2021 - Western Australia tourism devastated as visitors locked down

22nd August 2021 - New assistance grants announced for Western Australian tourism businesses impacted by COVID-19

14th January 2021 - TCWA says one in five Western Australian tourism businesses at risk if JobKeeper ends

2nd November 2018 - Tourism Council WA calls for change in Western Australian tourism activity

24th July 2018 - Further turmoil in management of Western Australian tourism

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.