- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

The ASP took home Gold at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards as winners of the Major Festivals and Events category for the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro. The WA Tourism Awards showcase the best in the industry for their outstanding customer service, innovation and ongoing business excellence. The Drug Aware Margaret River Pro will now represent WA in the Major Festivals and Events category of the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards.

Carissa Moore winning her semifinal heat over Stephanie Gilmore Carissa Moore carving to victory. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

"Margaret River has been a staple in the ASP calendar of events for many years and it's a competition, as well as a location, that our athletes and staff look forward to returning to each season," said ASP CEO Paul Speaker.

"In 2014, the event was elevated to WCT status for the men and women and the region welcomed the world's best surfers in fine style. We congratulate our event partners in WA on a deserving victory and look forward to many more years out west."

Michel Bourez Michel Bourez mobbed by WA surf fans. - WSL / Kelly Cestari

Surfing WA CEO Mark Lane was thrilled as well, particularly after the long hours that went into producing the event. "It was fantastic to have our event recognized for the positive impact it plays in the promotion of tourism in this state and it is certainly a great result for surfing and our partners. This gives us great confidence in the standard of event we deliver and all eyes are now on 2015.”

Michel Bourez Michel Bourez showing the West his Tahitian power. - WSL / Kelly Cestari

Bringing the Top 34 male and Top 17 female surfers in the world to Margaret River for a 12-day event window showcased the South West Region's fantastic surf, food, wine, attractions and hospitality at a new, multi-million dollar, redeveloped Surfers Point to both a global audience and local tourism market.

Tourism WA CEO Stephanie Buckland said she was pleased to see the Margaret River Pro take the top award for the Festivals and Events category.

“The State Government has been a proud sponsor of the Pro since 1985 and we were extremely pleased to see it elevated to World Championship Tour Status this year," she said.

"It is a highlight of the Tourism WA-sponsored events calendar and while Tourism WA is proud of all of the award winners, we are particularly proud of those where we are directly involved.”

Relive all the action from the 2014 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.

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