General News
12 November, 2022
Indigenous-owned Lodge wins gold
FAR north Queensland tropical retreat Cape York Peninsula Lodge won gold for 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation at the annual 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony held in the Gold Coast on November 4.
The Lodge also earned Silver for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism category in conjunction with its operator, Bamaga Enterprises Limited (BEL).
BEL is a First Nations, communityowned organisation that invests profits into scholarships, sponsorships and community infrastructure.
The Lodge is located in the small township of Bamaga in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) close to Pajinka, Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia.
Amid COVID-related disruptions and restrictions, the Lodge had a record-breaking year in 2021/22, with a 92 per cent increase in visitors and a 54 per cent rise in group bookings.
BEL and the Lodge experienced 20 per cent growth in employment, with 63 per cent Indigenous employment in FY22. Cape York Peninsula Lodge is the only four-star accommodation of its type in the region.
Among more than 1,000 tourism operators and individuals from around the state, Lodge Manager Harrison Mylrea and BEL Director Jean Williams accepted the Gold award.
The 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation category was highly competitive, with Empire Apartment Hotel awarded Silver and Rydges Gold Coast Airport taking Bronze.
BEL Chairperson Robert Poipoi said the organisation offered an array of cultural experiences in a remote part of the world where Indigenous culture is infused throughout the tourism experience.
“At Cape York Peninsula Lodge, guests can learn the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islander communities in a moving sunset performance by award-winning dance troupes such as Naygayiw Gigi,” Mr Poipoi said,
“This is a unique part of Australia – and the world – where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures live side by side.
“The Naygayiw Gigi performance tells the story of how we came to the NPA and explains some of our history, languages, musical instruments and dances.
“It’s interactive, so our visitors really get involved in the performance, which makes it more memorable,” he said.
The Lodge features 44 serviced suites, conference facilities, restaurant, hire car, pool, garden walks, reception, and guest services.
“We’re so proud to receive both a Gold and Silver award, and it’s well deserved for the hard work and effort of our employees to make sure guests have an enjoyable stay,” Mr Poipoi said.
“Operating in such a remote location can be challenging, so receiving an award like this will not only benefit the Lodge but also play a key role in attracting visitors outside of the peak tourism season to the wider region.”
Operating for 37 years, the Queensland Tourism Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry, including those of individuals, businesses and events.
