Brilliant Tourism Operators Rewarded

Five leading tourism businesses have been inducted into the State’s Tourism Hall of Fame at the 2006 South Australian Tourism Awards.

Kangaroo Island SeaLink, Temptation Sailing, Adelaide Shores Holiday Village, the Sebel Playford Adelaide and Getaways Reservation System all received the prestigious “Hall of Fame” status after winning their respective categories for the third year in a row.

More than 600 people from the tourism industry attended the black tie event at the Adelaide Convention Centre, which included a presentation ceremony and gala dinner.

Barry Wilkins’ efforts in event production and development in the Adelaide Hills were recognised with the prestigious Harry Dowling Award for excellence in regional tourism, while Unforgettable Houseboats founder Michael Coory received the award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

Overall, 29 awards were presented to tourism businesses and individuals judged to be the most outstanding in each category (full list below).

For the first time this year, a further 47 entrants who achieved a high standard in their category were recognised with a gold, silver or bronze medal.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said a record 120 entries were received for the South Australian Tourism Awards this year, underlining their importance as setting an industry benchmark for excellence.

“Tourism is big business in South Australia, and the awards are an important way of recognising the contribution of our tourism achievers to building the economy and creating jobs,” she said.

“These are outstanding businesses from right across the State which really add to the enjoyment and memories of the millions of visitors who experience South Australia each year.

“The South Australian Tourism Awards also support the State’s consumer brand, South Australia. A brilliant blend. by recognising and rewarding the very best of our State’s tourism attractions, accommodation and fantastic regional and city events.

“The awards are a very important night on the tourism calendar, providing an opportunity to raise the confidence and quality of the industry, while at the same time celebrating the sheer hard work and dedication of many individuals

The awards are judged in accordance with a strict set of rules and criteria, and major category winners will represent the State at the Australian Tourism Awards in February 2007, to be held in Sydney.

2006 South Australian Tourism Awards
Sustainable Tourism
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Ph. (08) 8648 4848

Category 1 – Major Tourist Attraction
Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience Ph. (08) 8626 5017

Category 2 – Significant Tourist Attraction
Monarto Zoological Park Ph. (08) 8534 4100

Category 3 – Major Festivals & Events
2006 Clipsal 500 Adelaide Ph. (08) 8212 8500

Category 4 – Significant Festivals and Events
Loxton Christmas Lights Festival Ph. (08) 8584 6255

Category 5 – Ecotourism
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Ph. (08) 8648 4848

Category 6 – Heritage and Cultural Tourism
Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram Ph. (08) 8552 5738

Category 7 – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism
Aboriginal Cultural Tours – Adjahdura Land Ph. 0429 367 121

Category 8 – General Tourism Services
Getaways Reservation Service Ph. (08) 8563 1000

Category 9 – Meetings & Business Tourism
Holiday Inn Adelaide Ph. (08) 8231 5552

Category 10 – Tourism Retailing
Port Dock Brewery Hotel Ph. (08) 8240 0187

Category 11 – Major Tour & Transport Operator
Kangaroo Island SeaLink Ph. (08) 8202 8688

Category 12 – Significant Tour & Transport Operator
Spirit Australia Cruises Ph. (08) 8555 2203

Category 13 – Adventure Tourism
Temptation Sailing Ph. 0412 811 838

Category 14 – Destination Promotion
Tourism Eyre Peninsula Ph. (08) 8682 4688

Category 15 – Tourism Product Marketing
Caravan and Camping Self-Drive Holidays Ph. (08) 8260 4488

Category 16 – Media
SA Motor Ph. (08) 8202 4574

Category 17 – Tourism Education & Training
Not awarded

Category 18 – Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Red Ochre Grill Ph. (08) 8211 8555

Category 19 – Tourism Wineries
Sevenhill Cellars Ph. (08) 8843 4222

Category 20 – Tourist & Caravan Parks
Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort Ph. (08) 8355 7320

Category 21 – Backpacker Accommodation
Not awarded

Category 22 – Hosted Accommodation
Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage Ph. (08) 8563 4059

Category 22A – SA B&Bs (Self-Contained)
Cladich Pavilions Ph. (08) 8339 8248

Category 23 – Unique Accommodation
Unforgettable Houseboats Ph. (08) 8569 2559

Category 24 – Standard Accommodation
Narnu Farm Ph. (08) 8555 2002

Category 25 – Deluxe Accommodation
Adelaide Shores Holiday Village Ph. (08) 8355 7360

Category 26 – Luxury Accommodation
The Sebel Playford Adelaide Ph. (08) 8213 8888

Category 27 – New Tourism Development
Rawnsley Park Station – Eco Villas Ph. (08) 8648 0030

Category 28 – Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

Michael Coory
Michael Coory and his Unforgettable Houseboats have placed the township of Mannum, and South Australia’s Murray River, squarely on the international tourism map, providing the destination with an ongoing tourism icon recognised worldwide. As founder of Unforgettable Houseboats, Michael established a fleet, which set a new benchmark in houseboat luxury and design, and a business, which set a high standard in marketing, packaging and presentation. His work as a leading marketer was instrumental in increasing recognition for the entire Murray River houseboat industry, both domestically and overseas. Michael has acted as a mentor to many operators, played an active role in regional marketing organisations and boating associations, and has won many awards over the years.

Harry Dowling Award
Barry Wilkins
Barry Wilkins is best known within the tourism industry for his tireless dedication to the development and successful production of events, especially in the Adelaide Hills. He was founding Chairman of the South Australian Festivals & Events Association, and also plays an active role in the Mount Barker Jazz & Heritage Festival, Heysen Festival, Tour Down Under, Mount Barker Sings Messiah, Classic Car Rally and MRA Toy Run. Since 1984, Barry has been Australia’s official representative of the International Festivals and Events Association, and in 1992, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to tourism, festivals and events, the arts and community. Currently Tourism and Economic Development Manager for the District Council of Mount Barker, Barry is also an avid Musical Director and Guest Conductor at a number of events and festivals.


For more information call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.

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