Held at City of Dreams Manila, Philippines, on 3 September, 2024, the annual awards ceremony – which was established in 1993 – honours excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, with votes compiled by industry professionals and the public.
Ayers Rock Resort took out “Oceania’s Responsible Tourism Award”, and its cultural storytelling experience, Wintjiri Wiru, was named “Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction”, ahead of Bondi Beach and Sydney Opera House.
Wintjiri Wiru features 1100 drones, lasers and projections to tell the ancestral Indigenous Mala story. It was developed in collaboration with Anangu, the Traditional Owners of Uluru, led by Wintjiri Wiru Working Group, comprising senior Anangu from Mutitjulu and Kaltukatjara (Docker River).
“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised on the world stage with these awards,” says Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, operator of Ayers Rock Resort.
“Coming out on top in such a competitive field, while a humbling achievement, further reinforces Ayers Rock Resort’s position as a leader in cultural and sustainable tourism.
“The Wintjiri Wiru Working Group played a vital role in bringing this experience to life, and these awards are testament to their vision and to the strength of Anangu culture.”
