IT’S OFFICIAL: the Savannah Guides is the best tourism group
in the world. The group has just won two categories in the British
Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, one of which was for the
world’s Best Tourism Organisation.
The Guides were thrilled to win the inaugural Australian division
of the awards in the first week of October, and just one week later
were in shock after the global win.
“We’re ecstatic to have won such a prestigious
award,” said Tom Warnes, president of the Savannah Guides.
“We were extremely proud to be chosen as the Australian
winner, but to be recognised as the best tourism organisation on
Earth is simply incredible.”
In winning the Australian award, Don Clark, British Airway’s
regional general manager said the group was recognised for its
outstanding contribution to the conservation of the natural and
cultural environment of northern Australia.
He said the company showed environmental responsibility and should
be congratulated for its visionary work toward promoting and
protecting the remote areas of north Australia.
The Savannah Guides were formed in 1988 to educate visitors through
its guides and tourism sites about the environmental conditions of
the gulf savanna region.
The groups now comprises 13 ecotourism enterprises and offers
guided tours through the 1.9 million square kilometres of tropical
savannas from Cairns to Broome.
“This is an incredible honour for the Savannah Guides and the
culmination of 12 years’ hard work. ,” said Bram
Collins, Guide and past president of the group.
“This highlights the importance of a community-based
organisation like Savannah Guides, not only for the role they play
in interpretive tourism, but on a broader regional development
perspective.
“This award is not only great for Savannah Guides but also
for the tropical savannas of northern Australia. It further
confirms our role in establishing Australia as a world leader in
nature-based tourism.
“We’re offering visitors unique access to some of the
most beautiful countryside in northern Australia while preserving
the environment. Our aim is to protect and interpret each
region’s natural and cultural assets through our
tours.”
Links
Savannah Guides
www.savannah-guides.com.au/
Savannah Guides is a network of professional tour guides with knowledge of the natural and cultural assets of the tropical savannas of northern Australia.
Savannah Guides promotes ecologically sustainable tourism, development of regional tourism, and employment opportunities. Their goals are:
- Interpretation and public education
- Training and guiding leadership
- Natural and cultural resource management
