Ten of South Australia’s tourism best shine in the Top End
Ten of South Australia’s most exceptional tourism businesses were recognised as some of the best in the nation last night in Darwin.
The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, the tourism industry’s premier event, recognises business excellence across 26 categories. Gold winners of the 2023 South Australian Tourism Awards travelled to the Top End for the gala dinner, held at the Darwin Convention Centre.
South Australia’s reputation as an accessible tourism leader was cemented with Adelaide Fringe winning gold for Excellence in Accessible Tourism. This category featured in the national awards for the first time, following the lead of South Australia which introduced it into its state awards in 2018.
Iconic Fleurieu Peninsula business Beach Huts Middleton also shone gold, winning the 4 – 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation.
Regional businesses featured prominently in South Australia’s medal haul, with Bendleby Ranges winning silver for Adventure Tourism and Seppeltsfield Wines silver for Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries. Ibis Adelaide also took home a silver medal for 3-3.5 Star Accommodation.
Bronze medals went to d’Arenberg in the Tourist Attractions category, Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre for Visitor Information Services, Woodhouse Adventure Park for Unique Accommodation, Port River Cruises for New Tourism Business, and Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market for Excellence in Food Tourism.
In a further coup for South Australia, Adelaide was named the host city for the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards to be held in March 2025, which will also celebrate the 40th year of the awards.
“The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase our state to the best of our nation’s tourism industry, right in the thick of festival season, with world-class events like the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide in full swing,” Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said of announcement.
Shaun de Bruyn, Chairperson of the Australian Tourism Awards and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Industry Council SA highlighted the importance of the Australian Tourism Awards as the tourism industry’s most prestigious awards event showcasing innovation and business excellence.
“It is always a proud moment to witness tourism operators from South Australia being recognised for their outstanding commitment to excellence in their businesses and our state’s tourism industry more broadly,” he said.
“Since the introduction of an accessible tourism category in our state-based awards in 2018, South Australian tourism operators have been exemplary in embracing accessible tourism practices, setting a benchmark for the industry. This commitment to inclusivity has not only created more opportunities for people with diverse abilities to experience South Australia but has also positioned the state as a leader in driving positive change,” Mr de Bruyn continued.
“To have Adelaide Fringe, so loved by South Australians, held up as the nation’s best accessible tourism experience is especially satisfying.”
78 awards overall were presented at the gala dinner, with gold, silver and bronze awarded in each category. For more information visit http://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/australian-tourism-awards/
Nominations for the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards open on Wednesday 1 May. For further information, visit www.satourismawards.com.au.