It was a triple reason to celebrate for the BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team after being awarded top honours at the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Friday night. Held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, the Whitsunday tourism industry’s night of nights saw the iconic Whitsunday resort win gold in the ‘Caravan and Holiday Parks’ and ‘Accessible Tourism’ categories, while also scooping the consumer-voted ‘People’s Choice Award for Accommodation’ at the gala industry awards.
Proudly owned by the McKinnon family for over 30 years, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s latest achievements backed up its gold wins at the Australian, Queensland and Whitsunday Tourism Awards in 2022.
Resort CEO Phil Casey, who attended the awards with some of the resort’s 82-member strong team, accepted the three gongs on behalf of the McKinnon family and staff.
“We are incredibly proud to have won these three awards, each on their own merit. It truly is a reflection of the hard work, passion and dedication of our team, who all work together to make the magic happen. From exceptional customer service, quality accommodation and facilities, through to our ongoing development and accessible facilities, we offer a true Australian family holiday for everyone,” said Phil.
“As a team, we have to say thank you to the Whitsunday tourism industry and the entire community for supporting us over the years, and most importantly, our guests, many who continue to choose our resort as their holiday destination of choice time and again.”
“We also extend our congratulations to all the other entrants, finalists and winners. The Whitsunday region should be so proud of the many offerings we have available, in one of the most naturally beautiful environments in the world. To our industry partners, and particularly Tourism Whitsundays, we truly appreciate everyone’s hard work in promoting and celebrating this wonderful destination,” said Phil.
Thirty years on, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort continues to shine, over the past year adding another seven new cabins to the inventory, developing its range of accessible accommodation and facilities, and finishing construction of its 71-bed “Bunk House” quality dormitory accommodation, catering to the Edutoursim and groups market, in particular school groups.
With this year being the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has also had a strong focus on improving its accessible needs, including new developments for the vision impaired and those with mobility issues, while also complementing its well-utilised Sensory Room, which caters for children on the autism spectrum and their families by offering a special holiday retreat.
“We have done significant work in the areas of accessibility and inclusivity and are very proud of what we have achieved in providing facilities which provide a relaxed, safe, comfortable and enjoyable holiday, while aiming to minimise obstacles our guests may otherwise face. We aren’t slowing down either, with many more exciting new developments in the pipeline, which will lead the way in holiday park activities and facilities,” said Phil.