World Travel Awards - Dunk Island Named Australasia's Leading Family Resort

Oct. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- Founded in 1993 and described by The Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel and tourism industry, the World Travel Awards are recognised globally by the hospitality industry as the foremost acknowledgement of excellence in product and service.  This year, 185,000 industry professionals participated in the voting process which is both monitored and independently audited.

The popular Tropical North Queensland property won the accolade from a field of finalists consisting of the prestigious St Regis Bora Bora Resort in French Polynesia, Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji, and fellow Queenslanders Hayman Island Resort and Paradise Resort Gold Coast.  

Hideaway Resorts, operators of Dunk Island Resort and Bedarra Island Resort, are about to reveal details of a multi-million dollar upgrade and enhancement program.  

Rupert Greenhough, chairman of Hideaway Resorts, said that the program would unlock the full potential of Dunk Island Resort and that the World Travel Award indicated the property was well positioned to capitalise on the momentum as it demonstrated the resort was highly regarded by international and domestic sales agents.

“We’re honoured to win this award and delighted that an iconic Tropical North Queensland property won against such strong interstate and indeed international competition.  It demonstrates how popular our tropical island resorts continue to be in that the award is voted by national and international sales agents who are, in the end, customer driven.  The award also recognises the collective effort of the Dunk Island Resort team – it’s a richly deserved accolade for the island’s staff and management,” he said.

Dunk Island Resort is currently undertaking a raft of initiatives in readiness for the upgrade program, including providing WiFi connectivity throughout the resort’s common areas and pool environs as well as being the first in Australia to introduce 3G iPads for guests to use anywhere on the resort.  The resort has just taken delivery of 4 new catamarans and a water trampoline, and is set to add other major activity assets as part of the planned upgrade in the coming months.

Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards said: “The level of competition here in Australasia is exceptional, and it is no wonder that the region is leading the world out of recession.”

Jeff Gillies, Tourism Queensland regional director Tropics and Great Barrier Reef, said the award was well deserved recognition for the staff, management and new owners of the Dunk Island Resort.

“Both Dunk Island Resort and the Tropical North Queensland region have a strong history of delivering excellence in facilities and service and the region is an idyllic family destination. Natural wonders, friendly Queensland culture, quality, safety and reliability are the backbone of the region’s success and it is fantastic to see this award come to the Dunk Island team as reward for their focus on the visitor experience,” he said.

CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland Rob Giason said “The Great Barrier Reef is part of the environmental heritage of the next generation, and Dunk Island Resort, on one of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, offers families amazing holiday experiences.  I congratulate Dunk Island Resort on creating world class family oriented resort facilities, and a well deserved win in the World Travel Awards.”

For high res images please email media@hideawayresorts.com.au

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Libra Communications is a tourism PR consultancy based in Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Australia.