Community & Business
15 November, 2022
Lodge wins big
FAR North Queensland tropical retreat, Cape York Peninsula Lodge, has won several awards at the recent Queensland Tourism Awards including gold for their accommodation and silver for its connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The lodge is in the small township of Bamaga in the Northern Peninsula Area close to Pajinka, Cape York, the northern-most point of mainland Australia.
It is operated by Bamaga Enterprises limited (BEL), a First Nations, community-owned organisation and features 44 serviced suites, conference facilities, restaurant, hire car, pool, garden walks, reception, and guest services – it is the only four-star accommodation of its type in the region.
Guests can also enjoy traditional Torres Strait Islander dishes alongside modern Pacific-rim cuisine at the lodge’s Paperbark restaurant.
In recognition of the lodge’s services, it was awarded gold for the 4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation category and a silver in the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism category.
BEL Chairperson Robert Poipoi said the organisation offered an array of cultural experiences in a remote part of the world where Indigenous culture is infused throughout the tourism experience.
“At Cape York Peninsula Lodge, guests can learn the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islander communities in a moving sunset performance by award-winning dance troupes such as Naygayiw Gigi,” he said.
“This is a unique part of Australia and the world, where both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures live side by side.
“The Naygayiw Gigi performance tells the story of how we came to the NPA and explains some of our history, languages, musical instru-ments and dances.
“It is interactive so our visitors really get in-volved in the performance which makes it more memorable.”
Amid Covid-related disruptions and restrictions, the lodge had a record-breaking year in 2021/22 with a 92 per cent increase in visitors and a 54 per cent rise in group bookings, there was also a 20 per cent increase in employment, over half of which were Indigenous people.
“We are so proud to receive both a Gold and Silver award, it is well deserved for the hard work and effort of our employees to make sure guests have an enjoyable stay,” Mr Poipoi said.
“Operating in such a remote location can be challenging, so to receive an award like this will not only benefit the lodge but also play a key role in continuing to attract visitors outside of the peak tourism season to the wider region.”
