Latest news with #2025PerthAirportWATourismConference
West Australian
29-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Geraldton claims silver for fourth year in a row at 2025 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards, pipped by Fremantle
Chasing gold continues to be just out of reach for the City of Greater Geraldton in its hunt for tourism glory — but there is a pretty spectacular silver lining. Geraldton won silver for the fourth straight year at the 2025 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards on Wednesday night, pipped at the post by Fremantle, while Collie claimed bronze. Fremantle was the only metropolitan finalist among the three categories. Kalbarri achieved back-to-back gold, taking out the tiny tourism town category for the second year running, beating Pemberton and Denham. Exmouth claimed gold for the fourth consecutive year in the small tourism town category, with Bridgetown and York coming in second and third. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said: 'We are extremely proud to secure another silver award and appreciate everyone who voted for us as well as all the businesses and individuals who continue to offer a warm welcome and fantastic experience to those who visit our town. 'Geraldton has had a huge 12 months tourism-wise, highlighted by the success of the recent Shore Leave Festival and the future looks bright, with the cruise ships scheduled to start returning next year.' Mr Clune congratulated Fremantle and gave a 'huge shout out to fellow Australia's Coral Coast localities' Kalbarri, Exmouth and Denham for their awards. The winners were announced at the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner in Fremantle and will now progress to the national awards being held later this year. More than 8000 people voted in this year's WA awards, which have been running for 36 years. The City of Greater Geraldton recently launched its latest tourism campaign, Stay and Play. 'With it, (we) will continue to promote our slice of seaside paradise to visitors,' Mr Clune said. To enter the Stay and Play photo competition, go to the city's website.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Albany Visitor Centre's Kirstie Cooper and Hilton Garden Inn Albany's Steve Millhouse finalists for awards
Two dedicated Albany professionals have been nominated as finalists for prestigious State awards recognising excellence in the tourism industry. Kirstie Cooper from the Albany Visitor Centre has been named a finalist for the Sir David Brand young achiever medal, while the Hilton Garden Inn Albany's hotel manager Steve Millhouse is shortlisted for the individual excellence by a tourism professional award. Run by the Tourism Council WA, the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards for Individual Excellence sees 33 finalists in the running for five titles, that also include the FACET Golden Guide Award, Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism and Individual Excellence in Customer Service. Ms Cooper said she was 'humbled' to be recognised for the award, which celebrates people under the age of 30 making an impact in the tourism industry. The 25-year-old's tourism journey began when she was 16 and joined the visitor centre on a work placement. A decade later, she serves as senior customer service officer and cruise co-ordinator, detailing the region's gems to visiting tourists, booking tours, accommodation and tickets, managing the social media and acting as the point person for cruise ship passengers visiting the town. 'The passion I have for Albany is pretty strong,' she said. 'I've been here since I was 16, and I love Albany so much which is why I picked the visitor centre. 'I think the passion I have for promoting this place is something that's just crazy. 'Everyone always says to me, 'oh you just love Albany so much, you're one person that I've seen that absolutely loves their job'. 'But yeah I hope the little things that I do just help shape tourism in the Great Southern and put Albany on the map.' Ms Cooper will compete with six other young achievers for the top gong, while Mr Millhouse will run against another six for his title. The winners will be announced on May 28 at the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference hosted at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle.
