3 October 2024
Palya,
Warm greetings from Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and welcome to "The Yarn".
Please see below an update on what's new at Voyages, Ayers Rock Resort, and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
Uluru Shines on World Stage with Major International Award Wins
Ayers Rock Resort celebrated two significant wins at the 2024 World Travel Awards, announced at a gala in Manila in early September. The Resort's renowned cultural storytelling experience, Wintjiri Wiru, triumphed over prominent attractions like Bondi Beach and the Sydney Opera House, earning the title of Oceania's Leading Tourist Attraction. Additionally, Ayers Rock Resort received the Oceania Responsible Tourism Award.
Thanks to the incredible support of our trade & business partners and guests, we're now going for global recognition.
Ayers Rock Resort is in the running for the World's Responsible Tourism Award, and Wintjiri Wiru is up for the title of World's Leading Tourist Attraction.
To claim these titles, we need your vote!
Here's how you can support us:
- Head to the World Travel Awards voting website to login or register your details.
- Click the "Start Voting" or "Continue Voting" button
- In the World category, select World's Leading Tourist Attraction and vote for Wintjiri Wiru
- In the World's Responsible Tourism Award, vote for Ayers Rock Resort
Voting closes Sunday 20 October, so be sure to cast your vote today!
Wintjiri Wiru After Dark Seasonal Closure
Wintjiri Wiru After Dark will resume operations in March 2025 due to seasonal scheduling. However, Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner and Wintjiri Wiru Twilight will continue to run year-round.
Free Guest Activities
Ayers Rock Resort offers complimentary guest activities throughout the day, including Guided Garden Walks, authentic Bush Food Experiences, Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA) guided tours, Didgeridoo Workshops, and Paint Your Own Australian Animal sessions.
Bookings are not required, and your clients can enquire at hotel reception for times and locations.
Learn more about Free Guest Activities here.
Anangu Communities Foundation Fundraiser Gala
The Anangu Communities Foundation achieved significant success at its third annual fundraiser in Sydney, raising $75,000.
Administered by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, the Foundation has invested over $3 million in projects supporting Anangu communities in Central Australia, with a focus on healthcare, education, and economic and social participation.
Read more here.
NITA Marks Milestone: 700 Young Indigenous Graduates
In September, 26 young Indigenous Australians proudly graduated from the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru, contributing to over 700 graduates since the program began in 2011. NITA, run by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, offers nationally recognised Level III certification traineeships in hospitality, creating vital employment pathways for Indigenous youth.
The ceremony was attended by VIPs, including trainees, their families, senior Anangu community members, Federal Minister for Trade & Tourism Senator Don Farrell, and executives from Voyages and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
Read more here.
Best Regards,
Your Voyages Sales Team