Monarto Safari Park has double win at 2024 SA Tourism Awards
Two other River Murray, Lakes and Coorong operators, and an individual, have also been honoured at this year's awards.
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Monarto Safari Park has taken out two categories to lead a charge by the River Murray, Lakes and Coorong at the 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards.
The park's wins included the prestigious major tourist attraction award and the voters’ choice award.
It's not the first time the park has taken out the people's choice award – in fact, this was their third.
Zoos SA’s chief executive, Elaine Bensted, said it was fantastic to see the conservation charity recognised among the best in the business.
“We pride ourselves in going above and beyond to connect people with nature and create incredible experiences for people of all abilities, and are thrilled to be recognised with these awards,” she said.
“As the largest safari experience outside of Africa, we offer people a unique experience that contributes to a bigger purpose, as every visit helps to save species from extinction.
There was more to celebrate, too, with the park receiving silver in the excellence in accessible tourism category.
“We are particularly proud to be leading the way in accessible tourism," Ms Bensted said.
"From the moment visitors enter the new visitor centre to viewing platforms overlooking habitats, accessibility is at the forefront of design across the park,” she said.
Two other local businesses were also recognised at the awards.
The PS Murray Princess took out the major tour and transport operators category.
Juggle House Experiences collected a silver trophy in the tour and transport operators category, coming in second to The Spirit of the Coorong.
- More information: ticsa.com.au.
Zoos SA chief executive honoured after announcing her retirement
Ms Bensted herself was also recognised for her outstanding contribution at the tourism awards.
Over the past 12 years, she has championed conservation programs, enhanced visitor engagement, and overseen the expansion of Monarto into the largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa.
Her strategic vision has driven significant tourism growth, earning numerous awards for the organisation.
Last month she announced her intention to retire in April 2025.
Zoos SA president Julieann Riedstra said the board would be sad to see her retire but was happy for her future.
“She has worked incredibly hard in this role and has achieved a lot to be very proud of,” he said.
The unfinished business Bensted was keen to achieve before handing over the reins included:
- Farewelling Fu Ni and Wang Wang and welcoming new giant pandas Xing Qiu and Yi Lan to Adelaide Zoo
- Opening the Asian elephant habitat at Monarto Safari Park
- Seeing the Wild Africa five-star accommodation open to the public
- Funding a new annual conservation scholarship for Zoos SA staff to be able to engage in field conservation
“It has been an honour and an amazing journey, but now is the right time for me to hand over to someone new,” Mr Bensted said last month.
“Zoos SA has been part of South Australia for over 140 years and I am proud to have been one of its many custodians.
"I’m looking forward to an exciting next six months and to helping the organisation’s next CE to continue the story."
