Ayers Rock Resort has closed 2024 with a remarkable milestone: It took home 18 global and local awards—the most in its history. At the heart of this success is Wintjiri Wiṟu, the world’s largest permanent drone show, which continues to captivate audiences and garner accolades.
The groundbreaking cultural experience, Wintjiri Wiṟu, launched in 2023, uses 1,200 drones, lasers, and projections to tell the ancestral Mala story in collaboration with the Aṉangu, the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu. This innovative storytelling has set a benchmark for Indigenous collaboration and respect for Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP).
In 2024, Wintjiri Wiṟu secured:
- An honourable Mention in the Luxury Travel Gold List’s Indigenous Experience category.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience award at the Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards, making it eligible for the Australian Tourism Awards.
The unique experience was also celebrated in November when its documentary, ‘An Ancient Story Takes Flight’, won Gold at the Australian Cinematographer Society Awards and was Highly Commended at the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards.
2024 also saw Ayers Rock Resort achieve the following:
- Great Place to Work Certification for its inclusive workplace.
- Recognition in Time Out’s Recommends 2024, with Sails in the Desert Hotel, Tali Wiṟu, and the Outback BBQ and Bar listed as must-visit experiences.
- Oceania’s Leading Tourist Attraction (World Travel Awards – Wintjiri Wiṟu).
- Industry Innovator (Skift IDEA Awards – Wintjiri Wiṟu).
- Best Tourism Initiative (Hospitality NT Awards).
Commenting on the milestone year, Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, highlighted the importance of community collaboration and sustainability:
“2024 marks a year of phenomenal achievement. We’re laser-focused on our commitment to sustainable and culturally respectful tourism, and our approach is clearly resonating with consumer demand at pre-COVID levels.”
“All these awards don’t just celebrate our team; they also hero Aṉangu, their rich culture, and the extraordinary partnership we have built together. Without this incredible community and their collaboration, these experiences would just not be possible.”
Ayers Rock Resort also topped up its already impressive green travel credentials as the first ECO Certified business for 2024 with Advanced Ecotourism and Respecting Our Culture certifications.
Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan said the certification highlighted the resort’s sustainability initiatives.
These include an on-site solar field, drive-through recycling centre, and wildlife conservation programs, alongside responsible cultural tourism that supports local communities, contributes to cultural preservation, and leaves a low-impact environmental footprint.
By staying at Ayers Rock Resort or experiencing one of Voyages’ many tours, dining experiences, or art exhibits, such as the award-winning Wintjiri Wiru drone show spectacular, guests have the opportunity to have an immersive experience in the Red Centre and positively contribute to these initiatives.
“We are delighted to acknowledge and recognise Ayers Rock Resort with global best-practice certification,” she said.
“Voyages is a strong leader when it comes to sustainability and community-focused initiatives and we are honoured to have Ayers Rock Resort formally achieving Advanced ECO Certification as well as Respecting our Culture (ROC) with Ecotourism Australia.”
For more info, head to voyages.com.au
