One of the Whitsunday’s most innovative business offerings, Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting, took out two accolades at last weekend’s Whitsunday Tourism Awards – Gold for New Tourism Business and winner of the Young Achievers Award.
Owner and founder, Crystal Lacey said that she still couldn’t believe it.
“I almost didn't even enter into the awards, so to win was phenomenal!” she said.
“There are a handful of people who I have worked with over the years who have always believed in me, mentored me and inspired me.
“Through the process of creating my own business they have always been in my corner, cheering me on, helping to build the pathway I am walking upon and I will never be able to express the level of gratitude I have for that continual unconditional support.”
Crystal has worked in the tourism industry for 16 years and was selected in the first Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority (GBRMPA) Master Reef Guides Cohort.
She is also a Dive Instructor and Underwater Photographer, and as an Eye on the Reef Surveyor she helped execute the largest natural coral transplant on the Great Barrier Reef.
In August she became the first environmental coordinator for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.
“Immersing and educating the wider community on our World Heritage Area through life changing experiences is undeniably my absolute passion!” she said.
“Developing Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting was a natural progression to enable myself to access the industry who want to develop and deliver guest experiences that are inventive, educational and interactive.”
Crystal’s business works alongside tourism operators to offer a range of specialised services that enhance their offering.
These innovative immersive educational adaptations are unique and fit-for-purpose to tourism businesses throughout the Great Barrier Reef, providing practical and relevant training, product development, guest experience training and business development to tourism business.
Little Fish offers business and product developments and enhancements, workplace training, marine education training, interpretation and immersive storytelling training, event coordination and event presentations, extensive stakeholder connections and much more.
When asked why she thinks the judges chose her and her business, Crystal said it was likely the passion she puts into everything she does.
“I hope it was the passion!” she laughed.
“The passion I have to engage, educate, inspire and deliver the wonder and excitement of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef through interactive educational immersive guest experiences by engaging with the tourism industry to innovate and develop leading edge unforgettable experiential experiences for each and every guest, energizing the world stage about our incredible Natural Wonder.”
Crystal Lacey from Little Fish Tourism Development Consulting at the 2022 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Photo credit: R Jean Photography.
Gold for New Tourism Business and winner of the Young Achievers Award. Photo supplied.
