One of the driving forces behind the development of Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia was recognised last night with the Sir David Brand Medal for Tourism at the 2022 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards.
Doc Reynolds, the outgoing chair of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, was awarded the highest honour for his outstanding contribution to the tourism industry by an individual.
Fremantle-based SeaLink won the Sir David Brand Award for the most outstanding tourism operator.
The awards night recognises Western Australian tourism businesses across 26 awards categories.
The gold medallists will go on to represent WA at the 2022 Australian Tourism Awards.
The gold medallists last night included Fremantle Prison, Willie Creek Parl Farm, Optus Stadium, Margaret River Region Open Studios, Live Ningaloo, Bungle Bungle Guided Tours, Mandurah Visitor Centre, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, SeaLink WA, The Hike Collective, City of Fremantle, Core Cider House, Sin Gin Distillery, Esperance Lancelin Holiday Park, Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, Tree Chalets, Broadwater Resort Busselton, Onslow Beach Resort, COMO The Treasury and Fly Rottnest Island.
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at the 2022 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards.
"WA is fortunate to have so many outstanding people working in tourism who clearly love celebrating our wonderful State.
"WA has so much to offer to tourists and the range and breadth of our tourism experiences are growing every year.
"The Walking on a Dream campaign has had enormous impact in raising awareness of WA. What tourists are finding when they get here is some of the best tourism operators and experiences in the world.
"Can I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to Doc Reynolds for his outstanding contribution to the Aboriginal tourism industry."
