Ecotourism is at the heart of what we do at Cape To Cape Explorer Tours. And that’s why we were honoured to claim two awards at the 2019 Perth Airport Western Australian Tourism Awards. They were presented by the Tourism Council of WA at Crown Perth on Saturday November 9th.
We were named bronze medallists in the Ecotourism category. That’s the same category we won the gold medal for in 2018 and 2017. The judges said only one point separated the other medal winners, which included Busselton Jetty and Rockingham Wild Encounters.
It shows how the bar for ecotourism is being raised in Western Australia. And next year we will be gunning for gold again! The award recognises ecologically sustainable tourism fostering environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
And an award for SurfPoint Resort
Meanwhile, Margaret River’s 3.5-star SurfPoint Resort won silver in the Standard Accommodation category. The CCET group operates SurfPoint Resort. That ensures our hikers have quality accommodation to rest and relax after a day on the Track.
“CCET’s core value is to practice sustainable tourism with leave-no-trace principles,” says SurfPoint Resort general manager Nic Chirico. “At SurfPoint, we’ve fully embraced and adopted that ethos.”
A big year for ecotourism
The dual awards come as CCET prepares to kick off celebrations for our 10th anniversary in 2020. It’s going to be a big year with exciting new initiatives.
That includes an International Schools Program to bring more school groups to experience the region. Plus new tours and itineraries designed around Jetstar’s new direct Melbourne-Busselton flight schedule. And extra destination hikes including the Bibbulmum Track and Borneo jungle adventure. Not to mention a SurfPoint Resort Beach Club with member offers, discounts and events.
Our passion for the Track
CCET managing director Gene Hardy says the two awards set the the tone for an exciting year ahead.
“Our passion is sharing the Cape to Cape Track with our guests. They’re blown away by being immersed in the pristine nature of Margaret River,” he says.
“Ecotourism is at the very heart of what we do. The whole team pride ourselves on contributing to our local community. And making a positive impact on the natural environment.
“We’re constantly trying to be more sustainable. For example, we’ve eliminated single-use plastic in our catering to harmful cleaning chemicals at SurfPoint.”