Winner at the 2000 Ansett Australia Victorian Tourism Awards

Polperro Dolphin Swims was the winner of the Environmental Tourism category at the 2000 Ansett Australia Victorian Tourism Awards. This is the second consecutive year that we have won this award. The win again illustrates how a small operation with environmentally responsible business philosophies can achieve success and excellence within the competitive world of tourism. As a marine-based tourism operator, our goals are focussed more on environmental protection, education and passenger safety rather than economic returns, profits and personal rewards. Although demand for our dolphin trips increases every year, we continue to purposely restrict the size of our operation to help protect Port Phillip Bay's marine environment and its dolphin population. Self-imposed passenger limits also allow us to deliver a high standard of personalised customer care. By embracing a philosophy of 'conservation through education', we hope that our passengers leave with a greater awareness and respect for Port Phillip Bay's unique marine assets, and are motivated to help with their protection. We therefore believe that this year's award is further recognition of how a responsible tourism operation can contribute to the long-term protection of natural attractions, and not their short-term exploitation. By considering ourselves primarily as environmental protectors and educators rather than entertainers and entrepreneurs, we are helping to ensure that Port Phillip Bay's marine environment and its dolphin population continue to have viable futures as natural tourist attractions for Victoria.