04 September 2024
Uluru, NT - Ayers Rock Resort has been recognised with two major wins at the World Travel Awards 2024, announced at a gala ceremony in Manila overnight.
Wintjiri Wiṟu, the resort’s world-class cultural storytelling experience, has beaten out the likes of 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
Wintjiri Wiṟu, 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).
Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, operator of Ayers Rock Resort, said: "We are incredibly honoured to be recognised on the world stage with these awards. 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.
For more information, visit your local travel agent, www.ayersrockresort.com.au or phone 1300 134 044.
-ENDS-
More information and images: [email protected] | https://voyages.mediavalet.com
Interviews available: Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
Wintjiri Wiṟu Acknowledgement Statement: As custodians of the land, Aṉangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluṟu. To share their story, RAMUS designed and produced an artistic platform using drones, light and sound to create an immersive storytelling experience.
To view Voyages’ Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property protocols, please click here.
