MEMBERS of Surfing WA gave special thanks to Margaret River last week after the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro scored a gold tourism award.
The organisation took out the major festivals and events category at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards for its success with the Prevelly-based surfing contest.
Our goal has always been to promote surfing – but the fact that we can now influence tourism and do wonderful things for the state is pretty cool.
- Mark Lane, Surfing WA
Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane was rapt with the outcome.
“Our goal has always been to promote surfing – but the fact that we can now influence tourism and do wonderful things for the state is pretty cool,” he said.
“This gives us great confidence in the standard of event we deliver and all eyes are now on 2015.”
Mr Lane visited the Surfers Point event site on Friday to officially thank local partners including Jahroc Galleries, Settlers Tavern, Margaret River Burger Company, Margaret River Nougat and the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association.
Augusta-Margaret River Shire president councillor Mike Smart also recognised the volunteer traffic work by the Augusta-Margaret River Football Club.
“They don’t get to see a lot of the event but they make it happen,” Cr Smart said.
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) chief executive Paul Speaker commented on the Pro’s achievement as a World Championship Tour (WCT) event.
"Margaret River has been a staple in the ASP calendar for many years and it's a competition, as well as a location, that our athletes and staff look forward to returning to each season,” he said.
Tourism WA CEO Stephanie Buckland said she was especially proud of the Pro and named it a highlight of the Tourism WA-sponsored events calendar.
The tourism awards showcase the best in the industry for their outstanding customer service, innovation and ongoing business excellence. This year’s awards were presented on October 25.
Surfing WA will go on to represent WA at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards.
