Yorke Peninsula tourism operators were recognised at the 2021 Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards held at Barley Stacks Wines on Friday 25 June.
Over 100 people from Yorke Peninsula’s tourism industry attended the gala dinner and presentations to celebrate the wins and successes of the local tourism industry. The Honourable David Basham, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development represented Premier Steven Marshall at the industry event, illustrating the importance of tourism to the Yorke Peninsula economy.
Awards were presented to 11 businesses and individuals judged to be the most outstanding in each category (see full list attached). This year saw a 3-way tie in scoring for the Service Excellence Award – excellent evidence of businesses providing above and beyond customer service experiences.
A further 10 entrants who achieved a very high standard in their category were recognised with a silver or bronze medal.
Lynn Spurling received the prestigious Harry Dowling Award for an outstanding contribution to the South Australian regional tourism industry.
Over many years, Lynn’s passion for regional tourism has shone through in everything she does. Lynn has been involved in many tourism events, projects and committees across the Yorke Peninsula region. She has been involved with the Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival for 34 years and this year she oversaw her 4th festival as President. Lynn has been the Copper Coast Council’s Tourism and Library Coordinator for 34 years managing tourism, events marketing and Library services. Most recently, Lynn chaired the largest Regional Masters Games (in the 25-year history of the SA Masters Games) which was held for the first time in Wallaroo, Kadina and Moonta in April 2021 (with over 1600 participants). Lynn also played an integral part in the region’s first Cruise Ship visit in 2019 committing many, many volunteer hours. A worthy recipient of the Harry Dowling Award.
Tourism Industry Council South Australia Chief Executive Officer Shaun de Bruyn says, “Congratulations to all award winners, it is fantastic to see our finest Yorke Peninsula tourism operators acknowledged for their hard work and commitment to delivering outstanding visitor experiences.”
“These Awards reinforce the important contribution regional tourism plays in making South Australia’s tourism industry the world class one that it is today,” Mr de Bruyn says.
Mr de Bruyn adds, “We should all be proud and celebrate these achievements, and the Yorke Peninsula as a superior tourist destination.”
Yorke Peninsula Tourism Manager Brooke Liebelt says, “This year’s awards program offered a new category – Excellence in Accessible Tourism and attracted a number of new entrants which was excellent to see. The judging panel commented on the very high standard of entries, so I congratulate everyone involved. This is a fantastic illustration of the commitment Yorke Peninsula operators have towards this important industry, especially after a very challenging year.”
“Tourism and the whole visitor economy is vitally important to South Australia and is a major economic driver for Yorke Peninsula, helping to create business opportunities and most importantly jobs.”
Ms Liebelt adds “We hope our winners and medallists from this year’s Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards consider nominating for the 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards.”
The Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards are judged in accordance with a strict set of rules and criteria, with winners setting benchmarks for the whole industry to aspire to. Read on to find out all the exceptional recipients.
Congratulations to the winners who were judged to be the most outstanding in their category:
Tourist Attractions: Copper Coast Putt Putt
Festivals and Events: Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival
Tourism Retail and Hire Services: Barley Stacks Wines
Visitor Information Services: Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre
Fishing Charter, Tour and Transport Operators: Reef Encounters Fishing Charters
Tourism Restaurants, Hotels, Cafes and Catering: North Beach Kitchen
Caravan and Holiday Parks: Ardrossan Caravan Park
Deluxe Accommodation: Bayside Glamping
New Tourism Business: Marion Bay Ocean Safari
Excellence in Accessible Tourism: Tarnasey Farm
Service Excellence Award: Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre; Bayside Glamping; Marion Bay Ocean Safari
Harry Dowling Award: Lynn Spurling
Congratulations to the medal recipients who achieved a very high standard in their category and received a silver or bronze medal:
Festivals and Events: Camelot Garden Stroll – Annual Open Garden – Silver
Tourism Retail and Hire Services: The Shed at Redwing Farm – Silver
Visitor Information Services: Ardrossan Information Outlet – Silver; #visitcoppercoast Marketing Campaign – Bronze
Tourism Restaurants, Hotels, Cafes and Catering Services: Taste the Yorke – Silver
Caravan and Holiday Parks: Port Vincent Caravan Park & Seaside Cabins – Silver; Point Turton Caravan Park – Silver; Port Broughton Tourist Park – Bronze
Deluxe Accommodation: Redwing Farmstay – Silver
New Tourism Business: Wrecks N Relics – Silver
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