2013 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
The Australian Tourism Awards are the tourism industry’s peak Awards – recognising and promoting excellence in tourism.
First established by the Federal Government in 1985, the Australian Tourism Awards are now owned and managed by the National Tourism Alliance, on behalf of the tourism industry. A wide and diverse range of tourism businesses enter their state and territory Tourism Awards. Over 200 reach the prestigious status of becoming a national finalist.
Winners from these finalists are announced at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Ceremony in front of an audience of their industry leaders and peers. The prestigious Hall of Fame trophy is awarded to an entrant who has won the same category for three consecutive years. For both the industry and the consumer an Australian Tourism Award is recognised as a mark of excellence in Australian tourism.
The winners of the 26 business categories at the Brolga Awards are automatically entered into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (QATA).
An individual award, Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, is also presented to a member of the tourism industry who over a number of years has greatly contributed to the Australian Tourism Industry.
Visit the Australian Tourism Awards website to view all the winners.
2013 QATA Awards - Northern Territory winners
Gold awards
Specialised Tourism Services – DIY Tourguide
DIY Tourguide offers audio tours for self-drive travellers. They bring alive the stories of the NT’s early pioneers, Aboriginal culture, flora, fauna and natural history. Tours include Alice Springs to Uluru, and The West MacDonnell Ranges and have been translated into Italian, French and Chinese.
Business Tourism – Uluru Meeting Place
The Uluru Meeting Place underwent a comprehensive redevelopment as part of a $38 million upgrade of the Ayers Rock Resort and now offers a ballroom, three breakout rooms and several other spaces. The upgrade has doubled the size of the facility to offer business tourism clients world-class meeting options in one of Australia’s most remote and iconic destinations.
Deluxe Accommodation – Lasseters Hotel
Lasseters Hotel is undergoing a $35 million development, which includes a recently completely $10 million premium hotel wing that houses 66 rooms and three suites. The property has a total of 205 rooms and suites and is located at the foot of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.
Silver awards
Heritage & Cultural Tourism – Venture North Australia
Venture North is a family owned tour company specialising in taking small-groups ‘off-the-beaten-track’ and into some of the more remote areas of the NT including Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
Indigenous Tourism – Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
With four hotels and a campground, Voyages Ayers Rock Resort delivers Indigenous employment, training and business development for local Anangu and Indigenous people Australia-wide.
Bronze awards
Major Tour and/or Transport Operator – AAT Kings
AAT Kings has bases in Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru and is committed to providing visitors with unique experiences and outstanding service. It operates guided tours, short breaks and day tours.
Standard Accommodation – Ibis Styles Katherine
The ibis Styles Katherine is located just south of the Katherine town centre and offers 100 rooms, a restaurant, bar, pool, tennis court, BBQ area and function room. Nearby attractions include Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge, Cutta Cutta Caves, Mataranka Springs, Edith Falls and Springvale Homestead.
Luxury Accommodation – Sails in the Desert Hotel
The five star Sails in the Desert Hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru’s raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience. Following a recent $38m refurbishment, Sails in the Desert, brings the colours, textures and stories of the landscape to life in this iconic destination.
New Tourism Development – SKYCITY Resort
Officially opened in July 2012, SKYCITY Darwin's $40 million dollar resort development introduced a new level of luxury accommodation to Darwin. the resort is centred on an expansive lagoon swimming pool, the size of eight tennis courts and a 30 metre white sand beach.