New Zealand Tourism Awards 2017
Supreme Award Winner - Haka Tourism Group
Haka Tourism Group was also the Business Excellence Award Winner - More than $6m annual turnover and the Tourism Marketing Award Winner.
For the past 10 years Haka Tourism Group has expanded to include small group, adventure, snow and mountain bike tours, upmarket hostels, a specialist educational brand and high end snow tours. This year the group is opening its first two hotels to support the tourism industry's strong visitor growth.
TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says Haka Tourism Group is an inspirational tourism success story that has strong links with the industry's growth framework.
www.hakatours.comEmerging Tourism Leader Award Winner - Shayne Forrest - Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata
Shayne Forrest has been deeply involved in initiatives that have made Matamata's Hobbiton Movie Set a must see attraction for visitors from around the globe.
As Marketing Manager, he hass led promotions that attracted more than 23 million online views. These campaign have helped Hobbiton achieve international brand recognition and seen visitor numbers grow from 58,000 in 2012 to more than half a million this year.
www.hobbitontours.comBusiness Excellence Award Winner - Less than $6m annual turnover - Auckland Seaplanes
Auckland Seaplanes offers a range of premium scenic flights over the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland, as well as fly and dine-wine tasting experiences to Waiheke Island, the Bay of Islands, Coromandel and Central North Island lakes.
Strong partnerships and investing in staff, processes and safety, have seen it increase revenue significantly over the past year. The judges said Auckland Seaplanes has a strong focus on quality and safety and is making a real effort to contribute towards environmental best practice.
www.aucklandseaplanes.comPeople's Choice Award Winner - Real Journeys
The business offers cruises through Milford and Doubtful Sounds, subterranean adventures through the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and cruises across Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu. More recent additions include Go Orange, Cardrona Alpine Resort and the International Antarctic Centre.
Strategic acquisitions have enabled Real Journeys to diversify the business across seasons, increase its geographic spread and attracting new customers.
www.realjourneys.co.nzVisitor Experience Award Winner - Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The judges said the Waitangi Treaty Grounds has repositioned itself as a world class attraction. They applauded the multi-million investment in new product, including the museum and carving studio, and the introduction of the all-inclusive day pass which is successfully encouraging visitors to stay longer and do more.
By transforming the visitor experience, Waitangi Treaty Grounds has driven up revenue by 54%, increased visitor numbers by 8%, and seen visitor satisfaction grow to an all-time high.
www.waitangi.org.nzEnvironmental Tourism Award Winner - Sudima Hotels & Resorts
Sudima Hotels & Resorts believes that as visitor numbers increase, it must reduce its carbon footprint, and it's committed to achieving this goal.
The judges said Sudima Hotels & Resorts is an environmental leader in its sector, achieving very high standards. A commitment to the environment is ingrained across the business, led by Chief Executive Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala, whose mantra is 'You have to to leave the world in a better position than you found it'.
www.sudimahotels.com
