Abell Point Marina in Whitsundays gets global Gold Anchor recognition

Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach at the gateway to the Whitsundays in Queensland is the first marina in the world to be accredited under the Global Gold Anchor Scheme. And the big marina has picked up a 5 Gold Anchor rating to become a landmark marina in the industry.

A joint venture initiative of The Yacht Harbours Association (TYHA) and the Marina Industries Association (MIA), the new Global Gold Anchor Scheme uses a star-rating system on a scale of two to five Gold Anchors somewhat akin to that used for accommodation ratings.

A modern 507 berth marina catering for boats from 12m-60m, Abell Point Marina underwent a major refurbishment to become the thronging tourism hub that it is today for leisure and commercial vessels visiting the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. The marina village is a popular destination for boaters and domestic and international visitors.

Abell Point Marina owner Paul Darrouzet said it is an honour to be the first accredited marina under the new scheme.

"What we are creating here is a significant regional tourism asset for Australia. It is fitting that we are receiving this high level global accreditation which reinforces our position as a leader in tourism and recreational boating."

At the presentation for the new Global Gold Anchor Scheme accreditation, MIA Executive Officer Colin Bransgrove said Abell Point Marina was a fitting first recipient of the new marine accreditation program.

"The scheme is designed to inform marina users as to the level of services and facilities at the marina and to encourage continual improvement within the marina industry. As a major regional tourism destination in its own right, Abell Point Marina has a strong customer focus and is continually improving its offer to both boating and non-boating customers.

"In presenting Abell Point Marina with the rating of five Gold Anchors it is setting an excellent marker for other marinas to benchmark against."

There are more than 250 Gold Anchor marinas globally that have been accredited under the old TYHA and MIA Gold Anchor Schemes. Over the coming two years these marinas will move across to the new global marina-ratings scheme that hopes to attract an even greater following.

MIA President Andrew Chapman CMM said this was an exciting occasion for the marina industry.

"After two years of cooperative development the Global Gold Anchor Scheme is up and away. Over coming weeks and months I will be presenting Global Gold Anchor accreditation to marinas across Australasia.

"This first presentation to Abell Point Marina is very appropriate given its high profile, strong customer focus and commitment to continual improvement."

More at abellpointmarina.com.au.