Broome has been the big winner in the State Government's tourism awards, with the Kimberley town's iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa winning WA's highest tourism accolade on Saturday night.
Acting Tourism Minister John Day said the Sir David Brand Award, named after WA's four-term premier, was considered the pinnacle of the WA tourism industry.
"Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is one of the most recognised tourism attractions in Broome, developed in 1988 by the late Lord Alistair McAlpine, who played a significant role in the town's tourism boom," Mr Day said.
"The property has now established itself at the top of a very competitive local, national and even international market and it is great to see the resort recognised for its important role in tourism."
It is a point that Ron Febon, general manager of hospitality for resort owners Hawaiian Group, agrees with.
"This really is the pinnacle of awards in the WA tourism industry I think it has been a fantastic night for the Cable Beach Club and also a fantastic night for the Kimberley in general," he said.
"It really is an iconic location, and to win this award after 26 years of operation is just a real thrill for all the staff.
"There's something about this location that just draws the WA people in and considering the remoteness of Broome itself, to have this world-class resort in Broome is just a fantastic thing for the Kimberley."
He went on to say the resort was certainly "in the mix" to take out Australia's top awards, with automatic entry to the Australian Tourism Awards guaranteed with the win.
"That would be fantastic for Broome and for WA itself and there is a lot of tough competition, but we are definitely in with a chance."
Other big winner on the night included Triple J Tours' Jeff Hayley, who took home the Sir David Brand Medal, and the Margaret River Pro, which won the major festivals and events award.
A full list of award winner is available at the Tourism Council of WA website.
