Big win for Cape lodge
A FIRST Nations tourism business in the northern peninsula has won gold at the annual Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for its hospitality services, following its phenomenal growth in the midst of the pandemic.
Cape York Peninsula Lodge, operated by Bamaga Enterprise Limited (BEL), won the gold category in 4-4.5 star deluxe accommodation and a silver in conjunction with BEL within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism category at the awards ceremony held in Sydney last week.
BEL Chairman Robert Poipoi said they had been in the running for six years, finishing runners-up in the past but this was their first gold award.
“It is a very special one for the company and community,” he said.
While most tourism businesses suffered losses during the pandemic, Cape York Peninsula 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.
“The reason for this was our unique location,” he said.
“People still wanted to see
places and travel. The advantage for us is we have east coast and west coast.
“In terms of tourists going fishing or camping, they can just go the opposite way to where the wind’s blowing.”
Tours to Pajinka, the northernmost point of mainland Australia, and the Fruit Bat Falls were some of their most popular attractions along with interactive cultural performances and
dances through local groups such as the award-winning Naygayiw Gigi, he said.
With 44 guest rooms, event facilities, a restaurant, hire car services, a pool, garden walks and the introduction of Indigenous-guided tours in 2022, the lodge is a domestic tourism hub currently fully booked for the next two years.
“We opened a new motel last year to keep up with demand,”
Mr Poipoi said.
“There are an extra 15 rooms. It is still part of the lodge, situated behind the bistro at Bamaga Tavern.”
BEL has also invested in a new 18-seater bus and upgraded its five onsite cabins to include ensuites and a kitchenette.
The team celebrated the win with a morning tea and lunch on Wednesday, Mr Poipoi said.