Press Release

 

28 November 2008

Port Arthur Takes Top Award

The Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, has congratulated staff at the Port Arthur Historic Site for being named the State’s Major Tourist attraction for the ninth consecutive time.

Ms O’Byrne also congratulated the PAHSMA for winning the Heritage and Cultural Tourism award for the fifth time at last night’s Tasmanian Tourism Awards in Hobart.

“The Port Arthur Historic Site is Tasmania’s iconic tourism attraction, its importance as a visitor experience has been recognised again by these major tourism awards,’’ the Minister said.

Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Large, said the site enjoyed record visitation in 2007-08, with 254,700 daytime visitors and 49,400 visitors taking the Site’s Historic Ghost Tour.

Ms O’Byrne also congratulated Parks and Wildlife Service for winning the Qantas Award for excellence in sustainable tourism for the management of the Overland Track.

“The Overland Track is one of the world's great bushwalks. The introduction of a booking system, fee and requirement that walkers travel from north to south during the peak season have been instrumental in delivering a sustainable experience,” Ms O’Byrne said.

A final coup for the State Government has been the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s award for Indigenous Tourism.

The Ningenneh Tunapry exhibition explores the journey of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and is a celebration of all Tasmanian Aboriginal generations – past, present and future.

“A key element in the exhibition is the first bark canoe built by the Tasmanian Aboriginal community in more than 170 years,” Ms O’Byrne said.

 “I congratulate all staff and community members for their awards.”

AWARDS:

Major Tourist Attractions

Port Arthur Historic Site – Winner

Heritage & Cultural Tourism

Port Arthur Historic Site – Winner

Indigenous Tourism

Ningenneh Tunapry - Winner

Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism

The Overland Track – Winner

Further information: Rohan Wade (03) 6336 2443 or 0417 051 255