Voyages Takes a Hat Trick of Brolgas at the Northern Territory Tourism Awards

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia won a hat trick of Brolga Awards at the Northern Territory Tourism Awards held in Alice Springs on Saturday night. In recognition of the rejuvenation of the destination that has taken place at Ayers Rock Resort, Brolgas were awarded for Excellence in Indigenous Tourism, Luxury Accommodation – Sails in the Desert hotel and Business Tourism – Uluru Meeting Place.

“To be awarded the highest accolade in the Northern Territory for three such important categories is a fantastic endorsement of the achievements of the entire team,” said Voyages Managing Director Koos Klein.

“Excellence in Indigenous Tourism together with the creation of a world class resort in close proximity to Australia’s spiritual icon have been key goals and to receive recognition for the achievement of these goals is very gratifying,” said Koos.

The Brolga for Indigenous Tourism was awarded not only for the creation and delivery of a daily suite of free Indigenous guest activities that include spear and boomerang throwing lessons, an interactive Indigenous dance performance and more, but also the vast achievements made in Indigenous employment training and development. Since the purchase of the Resort in May 2011 Indigenous employment has risen from 2 to over 210 employees and a National Indigenous Training Academy has been established offering opportunity to Indigenous people from all over Australia.

The complete renovation of Sails in the Desert hotel to a modern Indigenous design that has created an oasis in the desert for both domestic and international guests was recognised at the Northern Territory’s best Luxury Accommodation. The Award also recognises the excellent service, food and beverage and facilities offering at the hotel.

The Business Tourism Award won by the Uluru Meeting Place, which was created in conjunction with the renovation of Sails in the Desert, recognises not only the superior facilities for meetings and events that are available to guests but also the breadth of options for unique team building activities that are available to delegates.

In a further endorsement of the destination, Uluru Camel Tours was awarded the Brolga for best Tourist Attraction as well as Best Tour Operator and The Outback Fest (now an annual event) took the Brolga for Festival and Events.

Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan congratulated all the winners and said their outstanding efforts were helping return visitor numbers to the NT to growth. “This year’s winners have all displayed exceptionally high standards and are a credit to our industry,” Mr Conlan said.

Each of these winning entries are now automatic finalists in the Australian Tourism Awards held in February 2014.