LIKE any of the adrenaline-pumping tours, the journey for Whitsunday Jetski Tours has been far from smooth.
However, despite the cyclone, monsoonal weather and now coronavirus, the team has weathered the storm and today celebrated its 10th birthday.
Whitsunday Jetski Tours owners Steve and Toni Ward were overjoyed to reach double digits after a long history of operating commercial water sports in the Whitsundays.
The business as it stands today was born from plans hatched while the couple worked off Daydream Island.
After campaigning to gain permits that would allow them to operate off the mainland, the dream became a reality in 2010.
A decade later, the business has gone from just four jet skis to 20.
“It was a huge gamble to offer something so unique to the region back in the day and it’s since been a big journey, with some bumps along the way,” Mr Ward said.
“But the highs far outweigh the lows and we are so incredibly proud of what we have created for adventure seekers visiting the Whitsundays.”
In 10 years of operation, Whitsunday Jetski Tours has won 37 Whitsunday and Queensland Tourism Awards gongs, as well as the Whitsunday Hall Of Fame for Adventure Tourism.
Mr Ward said another highlight was being named the number one tourism experience in Australia and landing fifth spot in the top 10 experiences in the South Pacific as the only Australian company in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
“We can hold our head proud and reflect on what we have achieved over the years,” he said.
“Being awarded the number one tourism experience in Australia really cemented that.
“We truly believe in our product and that we offer something so uniquely different to any other tour in Australia.”
Mrs Ward thanked the team who she said was “like a family” for the support over the past 10 years.
“One of mantras that we live by is that ‘your vibe attracts your tribe’,” she said.
“We really can’t thank our past and current staff enough for everything they have contributed over the years.
“We have been very lucky, but as owners, we also like to think we have created a work environment where people really enjoy coming to work each day.
“What is most exciting is that even though times can be challenging, especially given the current situation, we will continue to grow and evolve.”
Mr Ward also hinted at two new ventures set to be launched at the end of 2020.
“These will be targeted to both existing and new markets and we know there will be a very positive response to what we will be offering,” he said.
Source: Whitsunday Times
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