Six individuals have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the tourism industry at tonight's Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner in Fremantle.
The FACET Golden Guide Award winner was announced as Monique Boucher from Hidden deTours. In a hotly contested field of entrants, Monique was recognised for her depth of knowledge and experience which translated to an authentic, immersive experience for guests.
The Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism Award was awarded to Bec Sampi from Kingfisher Tours Garingbaar. The judges described Bec as committed to creating an immersive experience for visitors and a mentor to young people.
Tammy Van der Heever, from the Western Australia Visitor Centre, won the Individual Excellence in Customer Service Award and was characterised by the judges as a dedicated customer service professional and problem solver, focussed on the best outcomes and experiences for all customers.
The Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal was awarded to Floss Hayes from Cape to Cape Explorer Tours in recognition of her passion and enthusiasm for the tourism industry as it continues to evolve.
Two new categories were introduced in this year's award program, the Local Tourism Legend Award and the Individual Excellence by a Tourism Professional Award.
The inaugural winner of the Individual Excellence by a Tourism Professional Award was announced as Steven Millhouse from Hilton Garden Inn Albany for his ability to manage two properties in different regions, while still contributing to the community.
Gene Hardy, from Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, won the Local Tourism Legend Award and was characterised by the judges as making a significant contribution and lasting impact to tourism in the Margaret River community through his volunteering activities, mentoring and the assistance he provides to the community.
"The Western Australian tourism industry is made possible thanks to the passionate people who tirelessly work towards showcasing WA to visitors," Tourism Council WA Chief Executive Officer Evan Hall said.
"The individual awards provided an opportunity for six of these people to be recognised for their commitment to creating innovative and friendly experiences for Western Australia's visitors," he said.
The finalists in each category were:
FACET Golden Guide Award
- Monique Boucher, Hidden deTours
- Wendy Carter, Gwalia Historical Precinct
- Peter Casonato, Donnelly River Cruises
- Chelle Fisher, Down Under Discoveries
- William Maher, Kimberley Day Cruise
- Lincoln McLeod, McLeod Tours
- Ann Newman, Casey Australia Tours
- Iing Pramudi, G'day Tour and Charter
- Kiyana Schofield, Perth Wildlife Encounters
- Steve Sertis, Bibbulmun Track Foundation
- Kellie Tannock, Walk Talk Taste Margaret River
- Lesley Ugle, Boola Bidi Dreaming
- Bree Zikmundovsky, Cape to Cape Explorer Tours
Individual Excellence by a Tourism Professional
- Scott Alderson, Crown Perth
- Nic Chirico, SurfPoint Resort
- Samantha Cleveland, Manjimup Visitor Centre
- Meghan Freind, Core Cider House
- Donna Malec, Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre
- Steven Millhouse, Hilton Garden Inn Albany
Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism
- Barry Bellotti, Gwoonwardu Mia
- Bec Sampi, Kingfisher Tours Garingbaar
- Brad Vitale, Boola Bidi Dreaming
Individual Excellence in Customer Service
- Steve Hayman, Harvest Tours
- Mike Osborne, Turquoise Coast Visitor Centre
- Jade Standen Ridgley, Perfect Nature Cruises
- Sue Thom, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa
- Tammy Van der Heever, Western Australia Visitor Centre
Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal
- Kirstie Cooper, Albany Visitor Centre
- Sophie Fisher, Down Under Discoveries
- Elysia Fitzgerald, Kingfisher Tours Garingbaar
- Natasha Hansen, The Bell Tower
- Floss Hayes, Cape to Cape Explorer Tours
- Niamh Horton, Perth Wildlife Encounters
