Fleurieu Peninsula is known for its breathtaking beaches, award-winning wineries, and vibrant local culture. But beyond the stunning landscapes and world-class attractions, one vital element consistently leaves a lasting impression on visitors: exceptional service.

Recognising the people who make the Fleurieu truly unforgettable, the Fleurieu Peninsula Service Star Awards has been launched as a groundbreaking initiative to celebrate outstanding hospitality and customer service in the region.

A feel-good program with big impact

The Fleurieu Peninsula Service Star Awards is a monthly recognition program aimed at celebrating the frontline heroes of the hospitality and tourism industries. From café staff to hotel managers, tour guides to retail assistants, this initiative honours those who go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Whether you’re a local business owner or a visitor passing through, the program invites everyone to get involved. Businesses can encourage their teams to deliver stellar service, while customers can use a simple QR code voting system to nominate the staff or establishments that made their visit exceptional.

Merrin, from Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism, emphasises the program’s purpose: “Exceptional customer service isn’t just good for business; it’s the foundation of a thriving tourism industry. This program celebrates our region’s best assets—our people—and inspires us all to set new standards for visitor experiences.”

How it works

Participation in the Fleurieu Peninsula Service Star Awards is straightforward and free, making it accessible to all local businesses. Here’s how to take part:

1. Deliver exceptional service: Encourage your team to provide top-notch hospitality and go the extra mile for every visitor.
2. Promote the voting process: Display the QR code voting collateral—available from Visitor Information Centres—in visible areas like counters or tables. Visitors can scan the QR code and vote during their visit or online afterward.
3. Engage your team: Equip your staff with knowledge about the program so they can share its value with customers.

Votes from the public determine the monthly winner, who will be recognised in local media outlets and awarded a prize worth up to $500. Prizes, ranging from luxurious overnight stays to unique local experiences like surf lessons, also help winners deepen their connection to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Why your business should get involved

Joining the Fleurieu Peninsula Service Star Awards isn’t just about earning recognition; it’s an opportunity to enhance your business’s reputation and contribute to a thriving local economy. Here are some key benefits:

• Boost visitor satisfaction: By focusing on service excellence, businesses can ensure visitors leave with lasting positive impressions, encouraging repeat visits and glowing recommendations.
• Increase visibility: Winners and participating businesses gain valuable exposure through local media and the Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism platforms, as well as partnerships with outlets like Hello SA.
• Celebrate your team: Recognising and rewarding employees fosters pride, morale, and job satisfaction, helping to retain top talent.
• Support regional pride: The program showcases the authentic, warm hospitality that defines the Fleurieu brand.

Monthly and yearly celebrations

Each month, a Service Star will be recognised along with the business they represent. The excitement doesn’t stop there—every year, the program will culminate in a grand celebratory event. At this event, the business and individual who have garnered the most recognition throughout the year will win spectacular prizes, including a free broadcast segment on Hello SA for the business and a personal prize worth up to $1,000 for the individual.

Be a partner in excellence

Local businesses and community members can also participate by becoming partners in the program. By sponsoring a prize for monthly winners, partners contribute to the region’s growth and help fuel its vibrant tourism sector. Partnership benefits include:

• Strengthening the tourism industry
• Supporting local jobs
• Increasing visitor spending
• Fostering community pride and collaboration

Interested businesses can visit the official Fleurieu Peninsula Service Star Awards website to learn more about partnership opportunities and how to sign up.

Building a legacy of warm hospitality

The Fleurieu Peninsula Service Star Awards is more than just a recognition program—it’s a movement to elevate the region’s tourism and hospitality standards while celebrating the people who make it extraordinary. With its focus on connection, storytelling, and authentic experiences, the program shines a light on the Fleurieu’s most valuable resource: its people.

As the first winner will be announced in January 2025, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, or a visitor, you can help make the Fleurieu Peninsula a beacon of hospitality excellence. Together, we can create indelible memories for everyone who visits this remarkable region.

For more information on how to participate, vote, or become a partner, visit the Fleurieu Peninsula Service Star Awards website and start making a difference today. Let’s celebrate the heroes of hospitality who keep the Fleurieu shining bright!