Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards: Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Takes Centre Stage, Honoured with the Prestigious Sir David Brand Award for its Pioneering Work in Cultural Immersion, Sustainability, and Tourism Innovation, Australia

Published on November 8, 2025

Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, held at a glamorous gala dinner at Crown Perth, celebrated the innovation, excellence, and unwavering commitment of Western Australia’s

The 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, held at a glamorous gala dinner at Crown Perth, celebrated the innovation, excellence, and unwavering commitment of Western Australia’s top tourism operators. The prestigious event, which recognizes the best in the tourism industry, brought together the state’s finest across 26 categories, with winners and medallists showcasing outstanding dedication to sustainability, quality, and excellence.

This year’s highest honour, the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, was awarded to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, a remarkable achievement for the Kimberley-based business that exemplifies the spirit of innovation and continuous improvement. The award, which is regarded as the ultimate accolade in WA’s tourism sector, was presented to Cygnet Bay for its exceptional contribution to business enhancement and its ability to deliver a truly immersive and authentic experience for visitors. Judges highlighted the farm’s unique blend of Indigenous cultural involvement and its breathtaking Kimberley location, which continues to leave guests with a profound sense of wonder and a deeper connection to the region’s natural beauty and history.

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s success is a reflection of its unwavering commitment to providing an experience that goes beyond traditional tourism. Visitors to the farm are not just shown the natural wonders of the Kimberley; they are given an opportunity to learn about and engage with the area’s rich Indigenous culture. Through this approach, Cygnet Bay has created an unforgettable journey for travellers, where each guest leaves with more than just memories but with a meaningful connection to the people, culture, and environment of the Kimberley.

The gold medal-winning Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm was a standout recipient of the Sir David Brand Award, but it was not the only business to be recognized for excellence. WA Museum Boola Bardip, Singlefile Wines, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, and Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm were all inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of WA’s most influential tourism operators. Hall of Fame status is awarded to businesses that win gold in the same category for three consecutive years, a remarkable feat that demonstrates sustained excellence and leadership in the industry.

This prestigious recognition for Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm comes after years of dedication and innovation, positioning the business as a key player in WA’s tourism industry. The farm’s success continues to inspire other tourism operators in the state to focus on innovation, sustainability, and cultural immersion. The Hall of Fame induction further solidifies its place as a leader in the tourism sector and underscores the significance of offering unique, culturally rich experiences for tourists.

One of the evening’s most significant moments was the awarding of the Sir David Brand Medal for Tourism to a key figure in WA’s tourism scene. This individual was acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to the industry, particularly their role as an investor, innovator, and leader in the state’s pearling industry. Their immense contribution to WA’s tourism industry was celebrated for their pivotal role in elevating the state’s pearl industry and their commitment to fostering sustainable tourism practices. Their leadership has not only shaped the success of their business but has also helped position WA as a premium destination for eco-tourism and cultural tourism.

The Sir David Brand Medal is the highest individual honour in the WA tourism industry, recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on the sector. The work of this individual exemplifies the qualities of leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence that the award represents. Their contribution to the industry has been invaluable, and the recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication.

The Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards are made possible through the continued support of key sponsors, with Perth Airport serving as the principal sponsor of the event. Their support, along with that of other partners, helps to ensure the continued success and growth of the awards, highlighting the achievements of WA’s tourism operators.

As part of the awards, the gold medallists in categories 1 through 26 will go on to represent Western Australia at the Australian Tourism Awards in Fremantle on March 6, 2026. The national platform provided by these awards allows WA’s best and brightest to compete on the national stage, showcasing the state’s exceptional tourism offerings to the rest of the country. For businesses like Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards serve as a springboard to even greater recognition and success.

The event not only celebrated the achievements of tourism businesses but also reinforced the vital role that tourism plays in Western Australia’s economy. The WA tourism industry continues to thrive, with businesses large and small working tirelessly to offer visitors authentic, immersive experiences that highlight the region’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty.

The 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards served as a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication present in the WA tourism sector. As the winners and medallists prepare for the Australian Tourism Awards, the future of Western Australia’s tourism industry looks brighter than ever.