Ayers Rock Resort has rounded off a stellar awards year with a total of 18 global and local titles in 2024 – the highest in the resort’s history.
Wintjiri Wiru, the world’s largest permanent drone show, took out its latest Honourable Mention award in the Luxury Travel Gold List’s Indigenous Experience category last week. It also recently won Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience at the 37th Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards in Alice Springs, putting it in the running for the national Australian Tourism Awards.
Wintjiri Wiṟu, the resort’s spectacular cultural storytelling experience using 1,200 drones, lasers, and projections to tell an ancestral chapter of the Mala story, has been wowing guests since its launch in 2023. The multi-award-winning experience was developed in collaboration with Aṉangu, the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu, setting an industry benchmark for Indigenous collaboration respecting and remunerating Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP).
“2024 marks a year of phenomenal achievement,” said Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO, Matt Cameron-Smith, operator of Ayers Rock Resort.
“We’re laser focused on our commitment to sustainable and culturally respectful tourism, and our approach is clearly resonating, with consumer demand at pre-covid levels.
“All these awards don’t just celebrate our team; they also hero Anangu, their rich culture and the extraordinary partnership we have built together. Without this incredible community and their collaboration, these experiences would just not be possible.”
November saw Wintjiri Wiru’s behind-the-scenes documentary, ‘An Ancient Story Takes Flight’ win Gold at the Australian Cinematographer Society Awards in the NSW Entertainment and Magazine category, and Highly Commended for Best Use of Native or Content Marketing at the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards. They added to a huge spate of recent accolades, which included a finalist spot in the Indigenous Governance Awards for the Wintjiri Wiru Working Group, made up of senior Anangu.
Ayers Rock Resort was also listed in Time Out’s Recommends 2024 – the magazine’s pick of 150 top tried-and-tested venues and experiences around Australia – with Sails in the Desert Hotel, Wintjiri Wiṟu, Tali Wiṟu, and the Outback BBQ and Bar all recognised.
The resort also scooped up two world culinary awards – Tali Wiru won Oceania’s Best Fine Dining Hotel and Ayers Rock Resort won World’s Best Culinary Resort – and achieved Great Place to Work Certification for its inclusive and supportive work environment.
Meanwhile, the Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge sale process continues for the operational assets of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation subsidiary, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia with several buyers rumoured to be interested. Ayers Rock Resort is the only accommodation for tourists to stay when they visit Uluru.
Other major 2024 Awards
World Travel Awards: Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction – Wintjiri Wiru; Oceania’s Responsible Tourism Award – Ayers Rock Resort.
Skift IDEA Awards: Industry Innovator, Activities and Attractions – Wintjiri Wiru.
Australian Good Food Guide: Readers’ Choice 2024 award – Arnguli; Chef’s Hat and Readers’ Choice Award – Tali Wiru.
Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards For Excellence: Premium Dining and Tourism Restaurant, NT and QLD – Tali Wiru.
Hospitality NT Awards for Excellence: Best Tourism Initiative – Wintjiri Wiṟu.
Feature image: Wintjiri Wiru at Uluru, the world’s largest permanent drone show.
