Acting Western Australia Premier Kim Hames

Western Australia Minister for Tourism Kim Hames

Kim Hames Dawesville MLA

Tourism Recognition for WA

Victor P Taffa

Acting Premier and Tourism Minister Kim Hames has congratulated the Western Australian winners announced tonight at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for 2010, held in Perth.

WA industry stalwart Ian Laurance was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution by an Individual’ award, and Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat in the Kimberley won the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category.

“It’s great to see Ian Laurance getting national recognition for his contribution to tourism through almost four decades of service in Government, business and on numerous industry boards and committees.” Dr. Hames said.

Mr. Laurance has had a long and distinguished career in tourism, including:

•  WA Tourism Minister in the early 1980s;
• Significant involvement with Seaworld and Warner Bros Movie World on the Gold Coast;
• Appointment as chairman of Australia’s North West Tourism;
• Appointment as vice president of the Tourism Council of WA;
• Appointment as chairman of the Perth Convention Bureau.

“Ian has played an influential role in Australia’s tourism industry and thoroughly deserves this award.” the Acting Premier said.

Dr. Hames also paid tribute to the Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat for taking out the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category.

“What a brilliant combination Eco Beach represents – a luxury eco resort in one of the world’s great wilderness regions, the Kimberley.” Dr. Hames said.

The Minister also applauded the announcement by Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson that two more WA Regions had been added to the prestigious National Landscapes Program, run by Tourism Australia and Parks Australia.

“To have Ningaloo-Shark Bay and the Great South West Edge join the Kimberley in the National Landscapes Program is fantastic.” Dr. Hames said.

“WA now has three of the 12 regions in the program, which recognises Australia’s great landscapes and promotes areas of outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance.” Dr. Hames said.

About 900 people, including 600 from interstate, attended the glittering ceremony.

Western Australia Minister for Tourism Elizabeth Constable

WA Young Achiever to take on Australia’s Best in National Tourism Awards

Victor P Taffa

James Spurgeon, Visitor Services Officer with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), will represent Western Australia in the Young Regional Tourism Achiever Award in Victoria in August.

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said the award – held as part of the Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC) – recognised excellence in regional tourism.

“The 2010 ARTC is considered regional tourism’s premier annual national event and its achiever award encourages young practitioners to strive for success.” Dr. Constable said.

“Mr. Spurgeon has made a significant contribution to regional tourism and is the ideal representative for WA in the National Award.”

“He plays an important role at the Yanchep National Park, liaising with visitors, promoting environmental awareness and also publicising WA at tourism events and in the media.

“Australia’s young professionals are the future of our industry, so it is vital we help develop their talents and support a wide range of career paths within tourism.” Dr. Constable said.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher congratulated James and said he was one of many DEC officers dedicated to improving the experience for visitors to WA’s National Parks.

“I have seen first-hand the great work James and his co-workers are doing at Yanchep to ensure park visitors have an enjoyable and rewarding visit.” Mrs. Faragher said.

The 2010 ARTC – co-ordinated by the Australian Regional Tourism Network – brings together industry members to discuss the challenges and opportunities for regional tourism.

The program includes presenters, field trips, professional development workshops and networking functions from August 16 to 20 in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

The winner of the Young Regional Tourism Achiever Award will receive a professional development scholarship sponsored by the Australian Regional Tourism Network.

For more information about the Australian Regional Tourism Network, the convention and the achiever award, visit http://www.regionaltourism.com.au