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Top Australian Aboriginal Experience Anangu Tours Wins 2004 World Legacy Award

9 June 2004 - Australian Tourist Commission - Media Release - Two Australian travel operators Anangu Tours and Voyages were recognized for their excellence in environmental, social, and cultural travel as they competed for the World Legacy Awards, sponsored by Conservation International (CI) and National Geographic Magazine on June 8th in Washington, D.C.

Anangu Tours, an Aboriginal owned company based at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia's Northern Territory, was the winner in the Heritage Tourism Award category. Richard Kulitja, Senior Anangu Guide, and Laurie Berryman, Manager, received the award from Queen Noor of Jordan at a gala ceremony at the National Geographic Society.

Australian Tourist Commission Vice President, The Americas, Mr. Michael Londregan, said the award for Anangu, and Voyages' nomination, were recognition of the excellence of cultural tourism experiences in Australia.

"Australia is proving its skill in balancing the demands of tourism growth with the over-riding imperative to protect our natural assets and ensure that our indigenous cultures benefit from tourism rather than become exploited by it. Anangu Tours' achievement in winning this award is a great credit to the Anangu people whose commitment to sharing their culture enriches all Australians and all international visitors."

Criteria included excellence of product, and its ability to provide economic benefit for local peoples, respect for cultural diversity, and conservation of nature. Other finalists in their category, one of four categories in the Awards, were Moki Treks in Utah and Camp va Kanzi in Kenya, both highly respected tourism experiences.

"I am very proud to be here representing my people," Richard Kulitja said through interpreter, Laurie Berryman. "Anangu Tours staff have worked very hard for this, and now the international recognition adds to the pride we feel.

"Our company creates jobs for Anangu, and something for our kids to aim for. And it also gives visitors to Uluru the chance to learn about our country and our culture. We get a lot of letters and emails from them saying how much they love our tours."

Laurie Berryman said the win was a major achievement for an indigenous owned and operated company, in a tough industry. This commercial success has all been achieved without reliance on Government funds.

"Anangu have put their heart and soul into this business," he said. "They have really wanted it to succeed both culturally and commercially and there has been a lot to learn along the way. This win, on top of our entry into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame earlier this year, caps off a great nine years of Anangu and the tourism industry working together."

A panel of independent judges evaluated applications from across the globe to narrow down the selection to just 12 tourism finalists. Voyages were nominated for the General Purpose Hotels and Resorts category.

Anangu Tours provides a range of tours to Uluru in the Red Centre of Australia. Aboriginal guides share their stories, ancient culture and most importantly their insight into the real meaning, history and landscape of this sacred place. The company has strengthened cultural pride, rekindled interest in traditional skills among youth and used its profits to help the community establish its first Aboriginal secondary college.

Voyages is one of Australia's leading experiential tourism operators, managing key enterprises, including Ayers Rock Resort, Cape Tribulation Resort and the soon to re-open Longitude 131. Voyages sustainable tourism practices include the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, including rainforest regeneration, energy efficiency, and recycling programs as well as improving the future of local indigenous communities.

Source: Australian Tourism Commission

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