Up for grabs Ayers Rock Resort scores two wins at major global travel awards
Ayers Rock Resort, currently up for sale, has scored two major wins at the World Travel Awards 2024, at a gala ceremony in Manila overnight.
Wintjiri Wiṟu, the resort’s world-class cultural storytelling experience, beat Bondi Beach and Sydney Opera House to be named Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction, while Ayers Rock Resort itself was honoured with Oceania’s Responsible Tourism Award.
Established in 1993, The World Travel Awards celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries and are voted on by industry professionals and the public.
Wintjiri Wiṟu also secured the title of leading Industry Innovator in the Activities and Attractions category at the New York-based Skift IDEA Awards 2024. These awards celebrate purpose-driven work that redefines the future of travel, and Wintjiri Wiṟu’s groundbreaking approach to Indigenous collaboration and respecting Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property helped clinch the win.
The Wintjiri Wiṟu show features 1,100 drones, lasers and projections to tell the ancestral Indigenous Mala story, and was developed in close collaboration with Aṉangu, the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu, led by the Wintjiri Wiṟu Working Group comprising senior Aṉangu from Mutitjulu and Kaltukatjara (Docker River).
“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised on the world stage with these awards,” Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, operator of Ayers Rock Resort, said. “Coming out on top in such a competitive field, while a humbling achievement, further reinforces Ayers Rock Resort’s position as a leader in cultural and sustainable tourism.
“The Wintjiri Wiṟu Working Group played a vital role in bringing this experience to life, and these awards are a testament to their vision, and to the strength of Anangu culture.”
Other accolades for Ayers Rock Resort this year include:
- World Culinary Awards: Tali Wiṟu is a finalist for Oceania’s Best Fine Dining Hotel, and Ayers Rock Resort is nominated for World’s Best Culinary Resort (winners announced in October 2024)
- Luxury Travel Gold List Awards: Wintjiri Wiṟu is nominated for Best Indigenous Experience (winner announced December 2024).
- Hospitality NT Gold Plate Awards: Arnguli Grill and Restaurant at Desert Garden Hotel won Best Steak.
- Australian Good Food Guide: Arnguli received the Readers’ Choice 2024 award, while Tali Wiṟu received an esteemed “Chef’s Hat” and Readers’ Choice Award.
- Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards For Excellence: Tali Wiṟu won in the Premium Dining and Tourism Restaurant categories for NT and QLD.
- Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence Best Tourism Initiative: Wintjiri Wiṟu
- ECO Tourism Australia Certification: Respecting our Culture and ECO Certified.
Ayers Rock Resort has also been put up for sale by the Federal Government’s Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.
‘Business as usual’ for Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge as sale process continues
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
ayers rock resort Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation voyages indigenous tourism australiaLatest News
RACV Hobart Hotel launches “Tascation” package
RACV Hobart Hotel has launched a new “Tascation” package that offers visitors an opportunity to explore Tasmania’s captivating capital city starting at only $299 per night. The offer combines luxury accommodation with exclusive benefits, promising an unforgettable Hobart experience. Highlights include one night in a Hotel King or Twin room, delicious breakfast for two, a […]
Cruise Traveller offers savings on unique Scotland and England packages
Cruise Traveller has announced savings on its Scotland and England offerings. The 20-night land and sea holiday in the UK is offered in partnership with Lord of the Glens. The world’s smallest cruise line’s only vessel, the 52-guest boutique ship, was purpose-built to explore the pristine and intricate waterways and lochs of the Scottish Highlands, […]
Abercrombie and Kent unveils The Chianti Collection
Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has debuted A&K Private Estates: The Chianti Collection, five meticulously curated villas in Tuscany. These handpicked estates, ranging from restored farmhouses to ancient towers, are perfect for multi-generational families and special celebrations. Each villa is equipped with a variety of premium amenities, such as heated pools, outdoor kitchens, yoga studios, gyms, […]
New Zealand Tourism Awards names shortlist
New Zealand Tourism has announced its shortlist for its 2024 tourism awards with 47 finalists being drawn from over 120 entries. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 6 November at the Awards Gala Dinner at Cordis Auckland. The awards have been set up to celebrate the very best of New Zealand’s tourism offering. It covers […]
Hotel d’Inghilterra completes its extensive restyling
Hotel d’Inghilterra, the historic and unique accommodation landmark in Rome, has completed its rebirth with the iconic property enhancing its charm event further. Located just a few steps from the iconic Spanish Steps and the Via Condotti, the hotel’s innate elegance has been home of international patrons and Roman nobility since the mid 16th century. […]
Oceania Cruises unveils its new brand value promise to all guests
Culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises, has unveiled its ‘Your World Included’ featuring an updated selection of always included amenities. The new offer cements the brand’s promise of ‘Your World, Your Way’ branding and as part of it, all guests will receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff automatically in […]
Adventure World unveils new Canada MAKE TRAVEL MATTER campaign
Adventure World has unveiled a new Canada campaign going beyond breathtaking landscapes and iconic sights and inviting Aussie travellers to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER by giving back to the destinations they explore. Through the innovative MAKE TRAVEL MATTER program, starting this month, travellers can add meaningful experiences to their Canadian adventures. Imagine participating in a wildlife […]
Intrepid Adventures launches new travel show on Channel 10
Intrepid Travel has launched a new six-part travel series, Intrepid Adventures, premiering on Channel 10 this Sunday, 8 September. In partnership with creative production house, Sloane Media and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the program shifts the spotlight from traditional tourist sights to the local guides and communities that bring each destination to life. The […]
Luxury Travel Collection reveals ‘Leaders who Lunch’ series
The Luxury Travel Collection (LTC) launched ‘Leaders Who Lunch’ (LWL) with its first event today, bringing together an intimate group of luxury advisors with global luxury partner, Silversea. This new series of intimate, invitation-only lunches will connect influential global senior leaders from LTC’s luxury partner network, with a hand-selected group of members to nurture elevated […]
MSC Cruises hosts ’Deep Dive on Japan’ webinar
MSC Cruises has announced an exclusive webinar tailored for travel partners that offers an in-depth look at their Japan 2025 itineraries and more. The 20-minute webinar, followed by a 5-minute interactive Q&A session, is designed to provide travel partners with comprehensive insights into the popular destination of the Far-East and top selling itineraries. Japan and […]
World-first education initiative introduces “Guardian of the Reef” platform
Tourism Tropical North Queensland has partnered with Expedia in the US, UK and Australia to introduce the “Guardian of the Reef”, a world-first platform. Conservation curious travellers can visit the newly launched website and work through a series of short educational videos, each with a coupon reward system to use with Expedia bookings on the […]
Explora Journeys announces godmother for EXPLORA II
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced that environmentalist Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of their newest ship, the EXPLORA II. The ship’s official naming ceremony will be on 15 September 2024 in Civitavecchia, Italy and marks the latest addition to the Explora Journey’s fleet. It reflects the […]
Malaysia Airlines launches direct flight to Paris
Malaysia Airlines has announced direct flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, marking a key milestone in the airline’s European expansion. This route, which will commence on 22 March 2025, represents Malaysia Airlines’ 68th destination, reinforcing its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. In celebration of the route’s return after nearly […]
Oasia Resort Sentosa unveils new room category and junior suites
The Oasia Resort Sentosa has unveiled its latest Courtyard Premier rooms and refreshed Junior Suites as well as a staycation offer for pet owners and their furry friends. Located on level two in the Palawan Wing, the 19 Courtyard Premier rooms each span 63sqm with a spacious alfresco area with bean bags and a dining […]
Wunderlich Lane is set to be a premier lifestyle precinct
Just what Sydney needs, more shiny new restaurants to head to after deserting the last lot.
Qatar Airways voted World’s Best MICE Airline by industry experts
Just to clarify, this does not mean that a mouse has ever been spotted on a Qatar airways flight.
GALLERY: Australian Cruise Association: The best of the conference & sport themed gala dinner
With a Brownlow Medal-themed gala dinner, there were plenty of fun outfits on show and great photos to follow!
Fiji Tourism boss pushes for cruise companies to explore more Pacific island options
Likely planned, as both the CEO and COO are on the same page when it comes to putting this question to cruise lines.
Save the date for Entire Travel Group’s summer soirées
This is infinitely better than a wedding 'save the date' where you know you're about to fork out $500.
PROFILE: Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill’s aim to hit the magic 1 million visitor mark
There are 330 islands to explore in Fiji, with its Aussie tourism boss saying we are just scratching the surface.
Can travel really slow-down aging? Research says it can
If you've got a client sitting on the fence about booking their trip with you then send them this. You're welcome.
Cruiseabout celebrates opening of its first store in Adelaide
The real question we want to know the answer to is 'will there be free mints on the desks?'
Virgin Australia Business Flyer launches two new offers
They say you have to be in it to win it. So EAs for Business Flyers looking for a bonus might be interested in this.
Sydney to host Australia’s first-ever Ghost festival!!
In recent years the word "ghosting" has been used by the dating market. It is about time Halloween got the word back.
Quark Expeditions launches new Quote and Hold tool for travel advisors
Tech doesn't need to be scary, you just need to know how to use it. Which tab was it again?
Up Norway names Karoline Hoff as managing director
If you don't know too much about tourism in Norway then now is your time to upskill.
‘I did a lot of soul-searching through Covid’ – Gate 7 founder Jo Palmer on how spirituality has shaped her business
A reminder that underneath all the shiny brochures and floral prints the travel industry really is run by people.
Singapore Airlines offers early bird discounts on over 90 destinations
Book a year in advance and take the headache out of holiday planning, he said. But last-minute is our default.
Cebu Pacific celebrates a decade of Sydney-Manila route with daily flight service
Get on board! Now you can more often as this popular destination heats up. Tell them Travel Weekly's Tito sent you.
Australian Cruise Association heading to Fremantle in 2025, highlights of 26th edition
As if choosing a cruise wasn't hard enough, now there are a plethora of cruise conferences to choose from.
Park Regis by Prince Singapore debuts under a new brand name following extensive refurbishments
The debut of the Park Regis by Prince Singapore marks the global expansion of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts since launching its new global brand identity in April. Following this rebranding of the property and extensive refurbishment, Park Regis by Prince Singapore is an urban oasis that effortlessly encapsulates the essence of its unique bi-culture […]
Carnival Cruise’s Teresa Lloyd: ‘If sustainable fuel’s not available, we are not coming’
It does sound a little like a toddler throwing a tantrum, if said toddler was an eco-warrior...
Miss the office when travelling? Co-working space to open at Melbourne Airport
Given the cost of one coffee is about $7 at Melbourne Airport, we reckon this one-day membership is a steal.
Barriers ready for Birdsville Races in Queensland’s Simpson Desert
You'll forget the dust and flies, once the beer and bubbles start flowing and the ponies get going.
Scott Dunn names Alison Zacher as global managing director
Our suggestion? First day in the tearoom, don't grab the "Best Dad Ever" mug.
CATO distributes Touring Academy to New Zealand travel agents
We like sharing with our cousins across the ditch. Just don't discuss the current state of our rugby teams.