The Gnunkai Awards has been established by WAITOC to formally acknowledge exceptional commitment and contribution to Indigenous tourism.  The inaugural Gnunkai Awards were held in conjunction with the 2005 Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC).  The second Gnunkai Awards were held at the 2006 AITC, Alice Springs. The third Gnunkai Awards were held at the 2007 AITC, Broome.  Three Awards were presented:  Individual, Organisation and Indigenous Tour Guide.
 
The following winners for the AITC 2007 Gnunkai Awards announced at the AITC Gala Night Dinner were:
Winner Tour Guide Category: Willie Gordon - Guurrbi Tours
Winner Organisational Category: Unique Indigenous Land Tours
Encouragement Award Individual Category: Jamie Brooks

All finalists and winners are great success stories of Indigenous tourism in Australia and hope that future Gnunkai Awards will see many more submissions to enable us to celebrate the achievements and successes around Australia.
 

GNUNKAI AWARDS

• The award will not be made to the same person twice
• Nominations are acceptable from any party except the nominee
• The answer to each question must not be more than 2 pages
• The nominee’s biography and not more than 5 letters of recommendation may be included
• The award will be presented at the discretion of the judges, based on the submissions received.
• The award will not necessarily be recognised annually

ONE:
Provide a brief overview of the nominee highlighting their outstanding attributes. Include a brief history of their career in tourism, including a description of their current employment, if applicable.(10 points)

TWO:
Provide examples of the nominees personal service over and above the nominee’s paid
employment to the Indigenous Tourism Industry. (10 points)

THREE:
Provide specific examples of the activities resulting from the nominee’s contribution that have significantly benefited the industry (10 points)

FOUR:
Outline the degree of personal involvement, the success resulting from that involvement and the long-term benefits to the Indigenous tourism industry as determined by the ongoing nature of achievement or success. (20 points)

TOTAL: 50 points
 

ORGANISATION CATEGORY

This award recognises the outstanding achievement by an organisation in promoting or
servicing the Indigenous Tourism Industry.
 
Important Notes:

• The answer to each question must not be more than 4 pages including images and graphs
• The award will be presented at the discretion of the judges, based on the submissions received
• The award will not necessarily be recognised annually
• The award will not be made to the same organisation twice

ONE:
Provide a general overview of the nature and history of the business. (0 points)

TWO:
Highlight the Indigenous Tourism value of the nominee in terms of public appeal. (10 points)

THREE:
Detail the standard of presentation and/or management and productivity as determined by
visitation growth or a similar measure (10 points)

FOUR:
Detail the organisations contribution to the Indigenous Tourism industry. (10 points)

FIVE:
Highlight the uniqueness, originality and cultural authenticity of the nominee. (10 points)

SIX:
State the overall impact or Indigenous tourism significance of the nominee. (10 points)

TOTAL: 50 points 
 

INDIGENOUS TOUR GUIDE CATEGORY

This Award is designed to encourage individual tour guides to create and deliver innovative, culturally accurate and inspiring tours that will enhance Indigenous tourism and the visitor experience. It recognises the significant contribution quality tour guides make to enriching the experience of visitors through interpreting the natural and cultural environment in a responsible manner. This award is for an individual tour guide demonstrating excellence in tour guiding.

Important Notes:

• Nominations are acceptable from any party except the nominee
• The answer to each question must not be more than 2 pages
• The nominee’s biography and not more than 5 letters of recommendation may be included
• The award will be presented at the discretion of the judges, based on the submissions received.
• The award will not necessarily be recognised annually

ONE:
Overview of your guiding experience: Provide a general overview of your guiding experience, including the types of Indigenous guided tours you have been involved in, the size of tour groups, location, duration, frequency and involvement of others. (0 points – max 250 words)

TWO:
Planning and research: Provide details of the planning and research undertaken to ensure that you have full and accurate knowledge of the product. (15 points)

THREE:
Objectives: Describe a recent Indigenous guiding experience detailing the objectives, theme/message and target audience and the experience generated for the visitor. (15 points)

FOUR:
Techniques and approaches: Describe the techniques and approaches you use to interpret the natural and cultural values on an Indigenous tour. (15 points)

FIVE:
Cultural & social environment: Describe how you deliver a culturally, socially and environmentally sustainable and responsible guided tour. (10 points)

SIX:
Design & presentation: What innovations in design and presentation do you use to create a special distinctive and memorable experience for your clients? (20 points)

SEVEN:
Customer service: (15 points)

1. Explain how you ensure a standard of quality in your customer service. Provide evidence of customer satisfaction (eg: letters of appreciation, visitor book comments, surveys etc.)
2. How do you identify and provide for people with specific needs?

EIGHT:
Contribution to the tourism industry: How do you contribute to the Indigenous tourism industry through your guiding? (10 points)

TOTAL: 100 Points