Last month, BIG4 co-founder Des Watts drew national recognition, earning an OAM for promoting the Tourism Accommodation Sector.
Des’s career in the travel industry began 47 years ago. Des and his wife Margaret built their first caravan park at Ballarat in 1973. In 1979, Des formed BIG4 with three other caravan park owners.
“Des spent travelling the country to promote the industry, clearly demonstrated his devotion to the promotion of tourism and the caravan park industry,” a spokesperson for the Watts family explains.
“His commitment and dedication to the tourism and caravan park industry over the last 40 years has been his work/life passion.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Family members consider themselves lucky to have joined Des in his journey. Currently, the Watts family own three caravan parks including BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park, which Des and Margaret purchased in 1996.
“We are all very proud of Des’s achievements and grateful and humbled for him to receive the OAM.
“He was keen to share his knowledge and passion for tourism with the family. We now have third generation family members working in the family business,” the spokesperson explained.
- Alison Huth, long-time colleague and friend, shares a brief recap in the latest edition of What’s Up Downunder.