SWAN Valley Visitor Centre has received a gold medal at this year’s Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for visitor information services.

The iconic wine-growing region is soon to receive a sculpture trail and upgrades to the Bells Rapids footbridge following a Cook Labor government election commitment.

Other businesses were recognised for a diverse range of offerings, including for unique accommodation at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula, festivals and events at Margaret River Region Open Studios, and ecotourism offerings at Busselton Jetty.

WA’s other gold award winners were Harvest Tours for excellence in food tourism, HeliSpirit (major tour and transport operators), and Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach (new tourism business).

Silver awards went to the Margaret River Region Open Studios (festivals and events) and the Rottnest Island Authority (tourism marketing and campaigns).

Bronze award recipients were Busselton Jetty, Broadwater Resort, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Singlefile Wines, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Wooleen Station.

Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said there is no better place to visit in this country than Western Australia.

“That’s not just because we live in the biggest and most diverse state in Australia - it’s because our tourism businesses know what visitors want, and they’re delivering it in spades.

“I want to congratulate the 13 winners and finalists at this year’s awards. Their success is proof the Cook Labor government’s investment in and support for our state’s tourism industry is working, with visitors spending a record $17.9 billion in WA last financial year.

“We want to see that success continue, with Western Australians earlier this year overwhelmingly endorsing our plan to bring more major events to WA, secure flights to more global destinations, and reform our liquor and trading laws to boost our night-time economy.

“It’s all part of our plan to keep doing what’s right for WA’s tourism industry.”