Page 53 - Tropic Magazine Issue 12

Industry
Tourism

“ ere is a happy and proud spirit amongst our sta f and
this is re lected in the high levels of enjoyment that guests
regularly comment on. e synergy between our sta f and
guests has been the driving force behind achieving
significant improvement to the natural ecosystems.
Few tourism projects in Australia have heritage protection became buzzwords, Unique Lodges of the World collection
blended in to their natural surrounds the Prettejohn family commenced a a ter a rigorous vetting process. e Biodiversity has increased enormously since we
and complemented the environment as revegetation program on the site in a collection features a hand-picked commenced a revegetation program in the 1970’s.”
e fortlessly and elegantly as ala Beach bid to restore it to its former glory. A collection of “boutique hotels in e eco-resort’s approach to environmentally sensitive
Nature Reserve. few decades later, the results speak for extraordinary places around the world development was recognised long before the global
Perched on a headland 45 minutes themselves and their sensitive approach with a demonstrated commitment to recognition recently bestowed by National Geographic.
north of Cairns, owners Rob and to the local environment has come full sustainability, authenticity and For more than a decade, ala has achieved Advanced
Oonagh Prettejohn purchased the circle as ala Beach Nature Reserve excellence”. e standards for inclusion Eco-certification. In 2017, the eco-lodge was awarded
formerly degraded sugarcane celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. are based on four pillars of sustainable Green Travel Leader status by Ecotourism Australia in
plantation in the early 1970s. Long In a rare honour, National Geographic tourism: protection of natural heritage, recognition of its responsible, sustainable practices and
before sustainability and natural selected the eco-resort for its exclusive protection of cultural heritage, support environmental sensitivity.
for local communities, and “ ala o fers a good example of how our guests have
environmentally-friendly practices. created local employment through demand for local
produce and services whilst also improving the natural
environment by minimising our footprint,” Rob said.
“ is is ecotourism at its best, working with nature to
build a better future.”

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ON THALA
BEACH NATURE RESERVE

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is an extension of Rob
Prettejohn’s love of nature, and he understands what
“It is heartening to see a growing it takes to create a haven for the many animals who
demand and recognition for have settled into his special property over the years.
nature-based experiences,” Rob Guests wouldn't guess it, but all of the native forest
explained. “ ala being declared one of surrounding the 83 cabins – some perched high in
National Geographic’s Unique Lodges the trees on stilts and others nestled in the
of the World endorses this and is a very bushland along nature walks – was planted over the
welcome birthday present as we past 25 years after hectares of sugarcane fields
celebrate our 20th anniversary. were removed.