Shoalwater tourism hot shot’s vision recognised

Taking Rockingham to the world through her work as a tourism marketing professional and her stunning camera work has led to Shoalwater’s Sarah Coote being named a finalist in the Sir David Brand Young Achiever category of the 2019 WA Tourism Awards.

The award recognises an individual under the age 30 who has demonstrated extraordinary, personal and professional achievements and made a significant contribution to the State’s tourism industry.

Mrs Coote has dedicated 15 of her 29 years to promoting Rockingham’s coastal region and is passionate about growing and enhancing tourism in the area.

Having entered the industry at just 14 years old as a tour guide for Rockingham Wild Encounters, where she remains as marketing manager, Mrs Coote has since gone on to start her own destination marketing business Squid Productions.

Mrs Coote said she was grateful to be announced as a finalist for the top tourism awards in WA and felt privileged to be recognised for a career she loves.

“I have wholeheartedly dedicated my work to helping share the amazing and diverse offerings of WA to as many as possible,” she said. “I am where I am because of the mentorship, support, challenges, hard work, tears, smiles, and everything in between.

“I’ve grown up in tourism and looking back, I reflect with a smile at everything the 15-year journey has been and thank everyone who has been part of it.”

Unashamedly parochial, Mrs Coote said promoting Rockingham as a “truly world class” tourism destination would always be close to her heart having grown up in the region.

As well as promoting the region to visitors on the ground, Mrs Coote has also produced videos that have been viewed by more than eight million people on various digital channels.

Her work with the BBC saw Rockingham included in the Emmy-nominated Ocean Giants, and her multi award-winning short film Flying With Nature screened in every capital city in Australia as well as New Zealand.

Mrs Coote said her vision was to help make WA one of the most desirable and memorable destinations on earth.

The winner of the Sir David Brand Young Achiever Award will be announced on September 17 at the 2019 WA Regional Tourism Conference Dinner in Karratha.