Savannah Guides Takes Top British Airways Award

Northern Australia's Tropical Savannah region has today come under the international spotlight with tourism organisation Savannah Guides winning a prestigious British Airways tourism award.

Savannah Guides has been chosen as the winner of the inaugural 2000 British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards - Australian division.

British Airways' Regional General Manager, Don Clark says the Company shows environmental responsibility and should be congratulated for its visionary work towards promoting and protecting the remote area.

"British Airways is proud to announce Savannah Guides as its first Australian category winner - it is a prime example of the environmental excellence we are trying to promote for the future of tourism", he said.

"Savannah Guides is an outstanding example of why this award has been created. They show true commitment to conservation values in Australia whilst generating employment in the area and contributing to the development of regional tourism".

Savannah Guides is a non-profit organisation, formed in 1988 to educate visitors through its guides and tourism sites about the environmental conditions of the Gulf Savannah region.

It now comprises 13 ecotourism enterprises and offers guided tours throughout the 1.9 million square kilometres of the Tropical Savannahs stretching from Cairns to Broome.

Tom Warnes, President of Savannah Guides Limited says the award is a real thrill for all people associated with Savannah Guides.

"Naturally we're ecstatic with the news, we've been doing this work for twelve years and while we believe we're doing an important job, it's even better when an international organisation such as British Airways thinks so as well", he said.

"We offer our visitors unique access to some of the most beautiful countryside in Northern Australia whilst preserving the environment. Our aim is to protect and interpret each region's natural and cultural assets through our tours".

"The $1,500 prize money will be very useful for us in researching regions where future tours may be operated. The area we cover is extensive, so it can take a lot of time and money to visit all potential areas", he said.

Queensland's Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Western Australia's Monkey Mia Wildlife Sailing and The Adventure Company each received a 'highly commended' award for their entries in the Australian category.

The British Airways' Tourism for Tomorrow Award attracts hundreds of entries every year from around the globe. To mark its 10th anniversary, the Airline introduced six new global award categories this year alongside the Australian category. Savannah Guides will travel to London for the announcement of the 2000 global awards later this month.

Further information:

Phoebe Russell or Rachel Kelghery
Prue MacSween & Associates on (02) 9327 4333

Released: 4 October, 2000

Return To Awards