TRAVEL + LEISURE AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES 2007 INNOVATORS AWARD WINNERS

Travel + Leisure Australia today announced the winners of the 2007 T+L Travel Innovators Awards in its second anniversary issue.

"These awards are again pertinent since the Australian travel industry is being directly encouraged, by the tourism lobby groups such as ATEC and the Federal Minister for Tourism, Fran Bailey, to innovate in order to better compete in the international and domestic travel markets," Anthony Dennis, editor, Travel + Leisure Australia said.

“The T+L Travel Innovators Awards salutes 20 Australian individuals and partnerships, who, through their vision, flair and dedication, have enhanced the experience of travel for the increasingly discerning Australian traveller."

In addition to the 20 Innovators Award winners, the feature also recognises the late Steve Irwin, one of Australia’s greatest tourism ambassadors, for his enthusiasm for his country and his actions to advance Australia’s profile overseas.

The 20 2007 winners of T+L’s Innovators Awards (listed below) join last years list of 20 that included, Ken Latona (Sustainable tourism), Graeme Wood (Online accommodation), Brett Godfrey (Aviation pioneer) and Ron Walker (Major events tourism).

The full, six-page Innovators Awards feature is published in the October edition of Travel + Leisure Australia, available at selected newsagents from today.

Travel + Leisure invites comment on this year’s awards and suggestions for next years awards at tleditor@fairfax.com.au.


No Winner Occupation Innovation Location
1 Neil Perry Restaurateur Food in the air, food tourism NSW
2 Trevor and Geraldine Haworth Founders and directors, Captain Cook Cruises Showcasing Sydney Harbour NSW
3 James and Hayley Baillie Owners, Baillie Lodges Rejuvenating Australian islands NSW
4 Cassidy Uluru Co-founder, Anangu Tours Indigenous tourism at Uluru NT
5 Judy and Don Freeman Theatre developers Advancing indigenous tourism QLD
6 Dellarose Baevski Founder, Awaken Designs Developing an ecologically sustainable destination QLD
7 Drew Kluska Managing Director, Outback Encounter A bespoke portfolio of Australian experiences SA
8 David Walsh Owner, Moorilla Estate Wine tourism in Tasmania TAS
9 Greg Farrell Managing Director, the Federal Group Travel experiences in Tasmania TAS
10 Callum Fraser and Zahava Elenberg Architects A fresh plane experience VIC
11 Sue Lloyd-Williams and Judy Romano Event organisers Mixing business and pleasure and reshaping big-event tourism VIC
12 Geoff McGeary Chairman, APT Global touring with a personal touch VIC
13 Ross Brown Chief Executive, Brown Brothers Wine tourism and regional food in north-east Victoria VIC
14 Colin Hackworth President, Harmony Resorts Taking skiing to new heights VIC
15 Alla Wolftasker Owner, Lake House, Daylesford The country-house restaurant VIC
16 Kerry Hill Architect Regionally sensitive and stylish resort architecture WA
17 Denis and Tricia Horgan Winemakers and event organisers Cultural tourism WA
18 Michelle Garnaut Restaurateur Putting the buzz into Bund China
19 Marc Newson Designer, Qantas Creative Director Changing how we fly London
20 Tom McLoughlin Chief Executive, Per Aquum Resorts Redefining luxury Maldives

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About Travel + Leisure Australia
Travel + Leisure Australia is the world's leading travel magazine, with eight international editions, including the US, China, India and Australia. The magazine for travellers not tourists, T+L showcases the finest travel writing and photography both here and abroad. The magazine covers food, wine, fashion, art, architecture and driving. T+L is published by Fairfax Magazines, a division of Fairfax Media and is available from selected newsagents or via subscription.

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