Awards and Accreditation

	Tourism Marketing Award - 2012 Gold Winner Rottnest Island won the Tourism Marketing Award at the 2012 Qantas Australia Tourism Awards, tourism industry's premier awards celebrating and recognising excellence. It's the first time the Island has been recognised on the national tourism stage which marks a very special moment for all of us. Visit www.australiantourismawards.com.au for further information.
	Rottnest Island Bronze Benchmarked 2012 In an important milestone, the environmental performance of Rottnest Island has been recognised by EarthCheck; the travel and tourism industry’s leading environmental management, benchmarking and certification company. EarthCheck operates the world’s most scientifically rigorous benchmarking program and measures key indicators such as energy and water consumption, total waste production, and community commitment to provide a holistic picture of operational performance. Visit www.earthcheck.org for further information.
	2012 GWN7 Top Tourism Award winner Awarded by the Visitor Centre Association of Western Australia (VCAWA), the peak industry body representing Visitor Centres and the Visitor Servicing Industry throughout WA, this award recognises the contributions made to tourism and the local community. For over 42 years, the VCAWA (formally known as the Country Tourism Association) has been representing the interests of Visitor Centres and the overall State Tourism Industry. Visit www.vcawa.com.au for further information.
	Accredited Tourism Business The RIA is an Accredited Tourism Business which was achieved through the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program, a national business development program designed to establish and continually improve industry standards. Tourism accreditation has been driven by industry to ensure the ongoing sustainability and best practices of local tourism operators, and identifies a minimum standard in business operation and customer service. Accredited tourism businesses are recognised as professional, ethical and reliable operators, which deliver high quality tourism experiences. Visit www.atap.net.au/ for further information.
	Engineering Heritage National Landmark Award Engineering Heritage Australia’s highest accolade, an Engineering Heritage National Landmark award, was presented to the Rottnest Island Authority on 10 November 2010. The award recognises the significant technical achievement of the construction of the Fremantle Fortress – Rottnest Island World War II Coastal Defences Facilities

2012 Tourism Awards - Tourism Council WA

Rottnest Island topped the State in the 2012 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, scooping the pool with 3 Gold Medals and a Bronze in the following categories;

	Category 1 Major Tourist Attractions Sponsor: The Sunday Times This category is for attractions which a) market primarily to a national and/or international audience and b) are considered a hallmark destination in their own right. They may be publicly or privately owned and can operate in conjunction with a natural attraction or on their own.
	Category 14 Tourism Marketing Sponsor: Countrywide Publications This category recognises excellence in marketing tourism products, regions, destinations, or group projects. Initiatives can include short-term marketing campaigns, ongoing marketing programs or promotional vehicles such as websites etc.
	Category 26 Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Sponsor: Qantas This category is open to tourism operators that exemplify a strong commitment to sustainable and innovative business practices. The award will recognise and showcase successful tourism businesses that set out to minimise their environmental impact, conserve natural resources, respect local cultures and benefit local communities.
	Category 6 Heritage and Cultural Tourism Sponsor: National Trust of Australia (WA) This category aims to recognise tourism operations that foster a greater understanding of history, heritage and/or culture. Entrants should offer visitors an insight into Australia’s history and heritage and its contemporary culture.

Congratulations also go to Rottnest Island business community members for being successful in their categories;

Rottnest Express

Category 11 Major Tour and/or Transport Operators
Sponsor: Budget Car & Truck Rentals
This category is open to tour and/or transport operators with 15 or more annual full-time equivalent employees. It is not a transport award but does recognise a major contribution to tourism through the provision of tour guiding services and transport services. Entrants must offer a tourism experience as a significant part of their operation.

Dome - Rottnest Island

Category 16 Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Sponsor: HOSTPLUS
This category is open to all restaurants and catering services offering a tourism experience and/or servicing the tourism industry. It is not a food award but does recognise a significant contribution to tourism through the provision of food and beverage. Entry is open – but not limited to – hotel or stand-alone restaurants, event caterers, pubs and cafés.