Northern Territory’s 2021 Brolga Tourism Award Winners announced

Northern Territory’s 2021 Brolga Tourism Award Winners announced

Northern Territory’s 2021 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards have been secured by 27 businesses, organisations and individuals with Katherine Outback Experience emerging as a standout performer and retaining the Tourist Attractions category award for the third time in a row. They were also crowned as the winner of the Chairman’s Choice for Tourism Excellence.

The Brolga Awards have been running for 34 years and celebrate the Territory’s best tourism products and individual contributions to the Northern Territory tourism industry.

The former Mayor of Katherine Fay Miller was named the winner of the Tourism Minister’s Perpetual Trophy in recognition of her contribution over more than three decades to the Territory’s tourism industry.

This is in addition to Miller’s appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant services to tourism and the community earlier this year.

The 21 business category winners will now represent the Northern Territory at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards in March 2022.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Natasha Fyles advises “winning a Brolga Award is the industry’s highest accolade and the award winners represent the best tourism products and services in the Territory.

“The Brolga Awards recognise and encourage tourism businesses and individuals that strive to excel in every area of their operation.

“It’s amazing to see the passion and excellence of our local tourism operators and I’m honoured to congratulate all the finalists and winners of the Brolga Awards.

“The tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit due to the pandemic and they have had to adapt and innovate to survive.”

Full list of winners:

• Tourist Attractions - Katherine Outback Experience

• Major Festivals and Events - Darwin Festival 2020

• Festivals and Events - 2021 Iron Jack Uluru Camel Cup

• Ecotourism - Trek Larapinta

• Cultural tourism - Venture North Safaris

• Aboriginal and Tourism Islander Tourism – Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye

• Tourism Retail and Hire - MK Eco by Starwin

• Visitor Information Services – Tourism Top End

• Business Event Venues - Darwin Convention Centre

• Major Tour and Transport Operators - Kakadu Air Services

• Tour and Transport Operators - Uluru Camel Tours

• Adventure Tourism - Yknot Fishing Charters

• Tourism Marketing and Campaigns - Tourism Top End’s Cooperative Tourism Advertising Fund

• Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services - Admiralty House

• Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries - One Mile Brewery (NT)

• Caravan and Holiday Parks - Oasis Tourist Park

• Self-Contained Accommodation - Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites

• 3-3.5 Star Accommodation - Knotts Crossing Resort

• 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation - Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

• 5 Star Luxury Accommodation - Hilton Darwin

• Tony Clementson New Tourism Business – Uluru Audio Guide

• Tourism Business Growth Award - Pyndan Camel Tracks

• Chairman’s Choice for Tourism Excellence – Katherine Outback Experience

• Skal Industry Employee Award - David Braithwaite (pilot/tour guide)

• George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual (joint winner) - Marcus Williams (owner/operator  Pyndan Camel Tracks)

• George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual (joint winner) - Madusha Olupathage (Executive Chef DoubleTree by Hilton)

• Tourism Minister's Perpetual Trophy – Fay Miller AM

Image top: courtesy Katherine Outback Experience; image above Uluru Camel Cup courtesy Tourism NT