South Australia’s top tourism businesses revealed
The 2022 South Australian Tourism Award winners have been revealed, including two Hall of Fame inductions and over 30 category winners.
Delivered by the Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), the South Australian Tourism Awards are the pinnacle of excellence within the South Australian tourism industry. Award winners were announced at a Gala Dinner on Thursday, 3 November at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The Awards recognise those businesses and individuals who have demonstrated business excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievement in the South Australian tourism industry. Most will go on to represent South Australia at the national, Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney on 17 March 2023.
Two businesses were inducted into the South Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame this year, having won their respective categories for the third consecutive year:
- Murray River Trails – Ecotourism
- Redwing Farm – Hosted Accommodation
In addition, two businesses took home Voters’ Choice Awards, as voted by the South Australian public. 19,900 votes in total were cast this year, and the winners were:
- Monarto Safari Park – Voters’ Choice Award for Experience and/or Service
- Woodhouse Activity Centre – Voters’ Choice Award for Accommodation
The Premier’s Award for Service Excellence went to Murray River Trails.
Rex Ellis, a pioneer of adventure tourism in SA, was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award for his decades of service to the tourism industry since the 1960s.
Skyla Schmid was named South Australian Student of the Year. In her second year of a Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Event Management) at the University of South Australia, Skyla has volunteered extensively with events in Adelaide and Sydney.
Brett Carson was awarded South Australian Taxi Driver of the Year, for 15 years of courteous service, high standard, and significant contribution to the state’s tourism industry.
Another 32 finalists were awarded silver or bronze medals (full list below).
TiCSA Chief Executive Officer, Shaun de Bruyn, congratulated all Award winners and medallists.
‘The last few years have been particularly challenging for our industry. The Tourism Awards provides an opportunity for tourism operators and advocates from across the state to come together and celebrate an industry that is vibrant, innovative, and resilient. We have some of Australia’s most committed tourism businesses who are delivering exceptional services and experiences. The Awards program not only recognises the very best, it also provides a development pathway for those who wish to excel.’
Minister for Tourism, the Hon Zoe Bettison MP also congratulated the winners, medallists, and all entrants into the program for their ongoing contributions to the industry.
‘It is wonderful to see a diverse range of operators represented in the winners of the 2022 South Australian Tourism Awards – from iconic experiences like Monarto Safari Park in the Murray River Lakes & Coorong region to unique destinations like the Bendleby Ranges in the Flinders Ranges & Outback,’ Minister Bettison said.
‘The State Government is proud to support these awards which celebrate tourism operators across our state, who deliver world-class experiences and work hard to attract visitors, while helping cement South Australia’s reputation as a must-see destination.’
‘I wish those going onto represent South Australia at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards the best wishes on the national stage.’
The 2022 South Australian Tourism Awards is supported by the South Australian Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Click the button below for a full list of winners and medallists.