There was plenty to celebrate for the Cape to Cape Explorer Tours and Surfpoint Resort family this week, with Surfpoint Resort general manager Nic Chirico taking home gold in the Individual Excellence by a Tourism Professional category at the 2026 WA Tourism Awards.
The tourism awards recognise outstanding contributions to Western Australia’s visitor economy. And Nic’s win reflects years of dedication to guests, staff, community and the environment.
A well-deserved tourism awards victory
For Nic – pictured here with Simon Brown from RSM who accepted the award on her behalf at the gala evening in Carnarvon – the win was particularly special after several years of near misses.
“I’ve also been nominated for customer service excellence for three years in a row prior to that. So I’ve been the bridesmaid for that award for a number of years now,” she said.
“Being the winner this year was very exciting. It’s been really nice to be recognised.”
After being named a finalist in the same category last year, taking home the gold award this year was a proud moment and recognition of the passion and professionalism she brings to Surfpoint Resort every day.
Bringing five-star values to Surfpoint Resort
Nic’s career path into tourism has been anything but conventional.
“I’ve got a HR and industrial relations background. And I’ve only been working in the tourism industry for the last 10 years, seven of them here at Surfpoint Resort,” she said.
“Starting my career in a five-star environment and then swapping to a three-star environment has allowed me to bring five-star values to a three-star operation.”
Those values are reflected in the welcoming atmosphere that has helped make Surfpoint Resort one of Margaret River’s most popular accommodation options for visitors exploring the region and walking the world-famous Cape to Cape Track.
More than hospitality
The tourism awards judges were particularly impressed by Nic’s strong connection to community. And the work she undertakes beyond the boundaries of the business.
She believes great tourism is about caring for more than just visitors. “I’m not just looking after the humans that come to visit Surfpoint,” she said.
“My team are very much aware of the sustainability element of our business and making sure that we’re looking after the birds and the bees and the lizards and sometimes snakes and possums. All the things that live in our little community.”
That commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship aligns closely with the values shared by Cape to Cape Explorer Tours and the wider Margaret River region.
A leader in Margaret River tourism
Nic’s involvement in community organisations and industry initiatives has also played an important role in her success.
“Having a corporate background and working for a small business, you kind of lose your strategic thinking brain. So I’m doing a lot of work giving back to the community in order to be able to keep my brain ticking,” she said.
Her tourism awards success highlights the importance of passionate people in creating memorable visitor experiences and strengthening regional tourism.
Everyone at Cape to Cape Explorer Tours is incredibly proud of Nic and this outstanding achievement. The award is recognition not only of her leadership at Surfpoint Resort, but also of her ongoing contribution to Margaret River tourism and the wider Western Australian tourism industry.