Individual excellence recognised with awards presented at WA Tourism Conference

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.