Both tourism and hospitality Australia wide have endured many challenges over the last few years. Kalbarri has been no different, especially having copped a devastating weather event during April last year. Facing challenges such as loss of overseas visitors, staff shortages and supply issues, everybody has had to adapt and evolve to survive…
Earlier this month the Finlay’s team again made the pilgrimage to the big smoke for the 2022 AHA Hospitality Awards for Excellence. We were joined by over 1300 other hospitality legends from all across WA, making this a record turn out for the annual awards. Running as finalists in a number of categories for a third year in a row, even with the high calibre of competition from all across the state we were up against, Finlay’s team’s spirits were high.
As each category passed, finalists were announced and winners took to the stage. It was a buzz hearing people from the crowd a number of times calling out “Finlay’s Kalbarri” before the winners were officially announced… We definitely had the support of other venues!
The Tourism Initiative category was upon us and everyone at the table knew if we were going to get anything it would be this one, especially coming off the back of a Silver for Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services category at the Western Australian Tourism Awards two nights previous.
The finalists were read and the winner announced. The looks on the faces of our team around the table were priceless and some of the words spoken were not to be repeated. Finlay’s had finally taken a win at the AHA Awards!
This win was a proud moment for us. Not only because it was our first trip on stage at the AHA Awards, but a testament to all the hard work that has been put in by Melissa Finlay and the Finlay’s team.
Melissa has been working tirelessly with a number organisations, committees and operators to support, promote and sell the Coral Coast region to not only the domestic traveller but the international contingency as well. Whilst Melissa works hard behind the scenes the staff at Finlay’s do an absolutely amazing job accommodating anything from smaller groups partaking in onsite brewery tours, to overseas famils (familiarisations) hosted by Tourism WA here to enjoy the very best WA has to offer and promote back in their home country.
Without a doubt there will be further challenges presented to the tourism and hospitality industry, but with strong support from operators, Tourism WA and other organisations as has been proven through hard work and tenacity these challenges can be overcome and growth will continue. We will be looking forward to another, busier twelve months ahead and an appearance at the 2023 AHA Awards For Excellence!