We've delivered on promises, insists resort management

We've delivered on promises, insists resort management
By admin


Voyages Indigenous Tourism claims to have delivered on the promises it made when it took over Ayers Rock Resort, after a year of evolution at the property.

Executive general manager Ray Stone told Travel Today the firm needs to deliver the message that things have changed in line with commitments it made when it took over the resort in 2011.

A $38 million refurbishment has included the complete makeover of its Sails in the Desert hotel, the opening of events space Uluru Meeting Place, an upgrade of service levels and the introduction of a program of free guest activities.

In addition, the firm has addressed its value for money proposition in response to consumer feedback.

“It’s always going to be an expensive destination because it’s in the middle of Australia and we have to bring stuff there,” Stone said.

“But there are a lot of things we’ve done to address the issue both on the quality side of the value equation and the price side.”

Tactical pricing is part of that strategy, along with an emphasis on providing authentic aboriginal experiences.

“We think it’s really important they’re authentic because of our ownership,” he said. “Most of the activities reflect the culture of the local Anangu culture and one or two from other parts of Australia.”

But the work is by no means done, with Stone stressing Voyages is “always looking” for new ways to draw people to the property.

“Our marketing challenge is not really awareness – we have a great level of awareness. It’s doing as much as we can to ensure people shift into a buying behaviour,” he said.

A significant emphasis will therefore be placed on events, such as the Outback Marathon to be held in July and a new Anzac Day festival to kick off next year in addition to conferences and incentives for its new Meeting Place. Business events are expected to account for 20% of overall business within two years of the centre’s opening, up from just 3%.

Meanwhile, Stone confirmed a “difficult climate”, with both international and domestic sales tracking slightly below last year.

“We’ll finish up the year one or two points down,” he said. “I’m quite pleased with that performance.”

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]