In Gnarabup, at the very mouth of the Margaret River, the modest Surfpoint Resort has unexpectedly found itself at the center of world tourism. At the end of September 2026, in South Africa's Nelson Mandela Bay, it received the top Skål International award in the "Accommodation, Food and Hospitality Services" category for sustainable practices.
The Margaret River region has long been known for its wineries and surfing, but the growing flow of visitors calls into question the preservation of fragile coastal ecosystems. Surfpoint, part of the Cape to Cape Explorer Tours group, is betting on hypoallergenic cleaning with Koala Eco products, resource conservation, and involving guests in a caring attitude toward nature. According to representatives of the resort, such measures help not only to reduce the impact on the environment but also to preserve the appeal of the place for those who seek not just a vacation, but a conscious stay.
The Skål award, presented with the participation of UN Tourism experts, underscores that sustainability in tourism is no longer merely a marketing ploy, but a necessary condition for the industry's survival. In 2026, the competition received 74 entries from 26 countries, and the victory of the Australian property shows that even small players can set standards if they combine local traditions with modern solutions.
For Margaret River, where tourism brings a significant share of income but at the same time pressures infrastructure and nature, such success becomes a signal. The resort uses shared spaces for families and groups, offers free laundry and natural products, which reduces waste and attracts those who value eco-friendliness. Guests note the homely atmosphere and attention to detail — from rolled cloth towels to coffee stations without excess packaging.
Surfpoint's victory illustrates a broader trend: regions that depend on nature increasingly win when they invest in real change rather than declarations. In conditions of global competition and growing demand for responsible tourism, such examples help rethink how to combine the economy and the preservation of unique landscapes.
