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SA'S BRILLIANT TOURISM OPERATORS REWARDED
Three of South Australia’s best tourism products, including one of our biggest events, have been inducted into the State’s Tourism Hall of Fame at the 2007 South Australian Tourism Awards.
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage and the Clipsal 500 Adelaide all received the prestigious inductions after winning their respective categories for the third year in a row.
Former South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) Chief Executive Bill Spurr was also honoured at the event, receiving an award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.
Mr Spurr spent eight and a half years at the helm of the SATC, with more than 20 years working within the tourism industry, including roles at the Australian Hotels Association, Adelaide TAFE, the Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority and Australian Major Events.
Overall, 27 awards were presented to tourism businesses and individuals judged to be the most outstanding in each category (full list attached).
A further 64 entrants who achieved a high standard in their category were recognised with a gold, silver or bronze medal.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says 116 entries were received for the South Australian Tourism Awards this year, underlining their importance as an industry benchmark for excellence.
“The standard of entries was extremely high again this year, which underlines the commitment our operators have towards this important industry,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.
“Tourism is big business in South Australia, and the awards are an important way of recognising the contribution our tourism achievers make to strengthening the economy and creating employment.
“A tourism industry that continues to evolve will also contribute greatly to increasing visitors to South Australia, which is one of the key aims of the State’s Strategic Plan.
“The awards offer a great opportunity for tourism businesses to continue to evolve and improve, 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 Canberra at the National Convention Centre.
2007 South Australian Tourism Awards winners are:
Category 1 – Major Tourist Attractions
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Ph: (08) 8648 4848
Category 2 – Tourist Attractions
Cleland Wildlife Park Ph: (08) 8339 2444
Category 3 – Major Festivals & Events
2007 Clipsal 500 Adelaide Ph: (08) 8212 8500
Category 4 – Festivals & Events
Barossa Vintage Festival Ph: (08) 8563 0663
Category 5 – Ecotourism
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Ph: (08) 8648 4848
Category 6 – Heritage & Cultural Tourism
Ayers House Museum Ph: (08) 8223 1234
Category 7 – Indigenous Tourism
Bookabee Tours Australia Ph: (08) 8235 9954
Category 8 – Specialised Tourism Services
Cellar Door Pass Ph: 0409 094 100
Category 9 – Visitor Information & Services
Goolwa Visitor Information Centre Ph: (08) 8555 3488
Category 10 – Meetings & Business Tourism
Novotel Barossa Valley Resort Ph: (08) 8524 0000
Category 11 – Major Tour &/or Transport Operators
Adventure Tours Australia Group Ph: (08) 8132 8280
Category 12 - Tour &/or Transport Operators
Surf & Sun Ph: 1800 786 386
Category 13 – Adventure Tourism
Bendleby Ranges Ph: (08) 8658 9064
Category 14 – Tourism Marketing
Recharge on the Murray River Ph: (08) 8539 1141
Category 15 – Tourism Education & Training
CASTT – Council of Australian Secondary Tourism Teachers Ph: 0424 022 795
Category 16 – Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Jacob’s Restaurant at Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre Ph: (08) 8521 3000
Category 17 – Tourism Wineries
Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre Ph: (08) 8521 3000
Category 18 – Tourist & Caravan Parks
Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort Ph: (08) 8355 7320
Category 19 – Backpacker Accommodation
Lakeside Manor YHA Ph: (08) 8768 1995
Category 20 – Hosted Accommodation
Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage Ph: (08) 8563 4059
Category 21 – Unique Accommodation
Quality Houseboats Ph: (08) 8331 9248
Category 22 – Standard Accommodation
Narnu Farm Ph: (08) 8555 2002
Category 23 – Deluxe Accommodation
Adelaide Shores Holiday Village Ph: (08) 8355 7360
Category 24 – Luxury Accommodation
The Louise Ph: (08) 8562 2722
Category 25 – New Tourism Development
Must @ Coonawarra Ph: (08) 8737 3444
Category 26 – Outstanding Contribution by an Individual
W T (Bill) Spurr
Bill Spurr is most widely known for his position as Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission, and his successful career in tourism, events and education spanning more than 20 years. Referred to by some as “Mr Tourism”, Bill has a reputation as a tireless worker, spending most evenings and weekends attending meetings, functions and events or traveling extensively to visit regional communities in a genuine attempt to understand local issues.
Bill started his career in tourism as the Executive Director of the Australian Hotels Association. He then went on to be the inaugural Head of the Adelaide TAFE Centre for Tourism Studies, followed by an Executive Director role at the Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority. Bill was then General Manager of Australian Major Events for four years and was responsible for helping establish many of the State’s fantastic events.
Bill has had a distinguished career in both the private and public sector and has been a driving force behind the positive growth in South Australia’s tourism industry. He has earned great respect and regard from the industry.
Category 27 – Sustainable Tourism
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary Ph: (08) 8648 4848
For more information please call Bianca Borrett on 0401 998 247.
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