Tourism business founder Troy Thomas was posthumously awarded the Sir David Brand Medal for Tourism at the 2021 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards last night.
Troy Thomas was a Broome helicopter pilot and started award-winning Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures in 2006.
The awards night recognises Western Australian tourism businesses across 26 awards categories.
The Sir David Brand Medal is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the tourism industry.
Kimberley-based helicopter company Helispirit won the prestigious Sir David Brand Award, which celebrates a business’ innovation, dedication, uniqueness and a long-term contribution to the tourism industry.
Busselton Jetty, CinefestOZ Film Festival, Fremantle Prison and Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours & Experiences were inducted into the Hall of Fame, with each winning gold in their category for three years in a row.
Busselton Jetty took out gold in the Tourism WA sponsored Major Tourist Attractions category, followed by Fremantle Prison (silver) and WA Maritime Museum (bronze).
Core Cider House won gold in the Tourism WA sponsored Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category, with The Crooked Carrot winning silver and Ten Acre Block receiving bronze.
The gold medallists in categories 1 to 25 will go on to represent WA at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards, due to be held early next year.
A full list of 2021 Perth Airport Tourism Awards winners is available at https://www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au
As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:
“On behalf of the McGowan Government and Tourism Western Australia, I congratulate all the nominees and particularly the award winners – it truly shows the incredible hard work and dedication of our wonderful tourism industry.
“The resilience and innovation of our industry has never been highlighted more than in the past 20 months.
“I would like to particularly pay tribute to Troy Thomas who was posthumously awarded the Sir David Brand Medal for Tourism.
“Troy was a valued member and industry leader in our State’s tourism industry, who shared his passion for the Kimberley with thousands of people worldwide.”
