The awards in their seventeenth year; highlight and acknowledge the best of the best leading in sustainable practices and environmental preservation in the tourism sector from around the globe. Eight categories are awarded: Community and Government Projects, Countryside and Biodiversity, Educational programmes and Media, Major Tourist Attractions, Marine and Coastal, Rural Accommodation, Tour Operators-Travel Agents, Tourist Transport and Urban Accommodation

The Rees Hotel Queenstown, an independent luxury property with 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments and five Lakeside Residences on the shores of Lake Wakatipu won ‘best urban accommodation’ out of a total of 62 entries from 31 countries.

In June it submitted significant hardcopy and video evidence to meet the strict judging criteria that looked at tangible, measurable benefits to the environment, climate change mitigation, nature and native animal preservation/conservation, carbon off-setting, waste management, culture preservation, local employment socio-economic benefits and how The Rees promotes sustainable tourism practices.

It is the first time an entrant from New Zealand has won the award from the travel and tourism body formed in 1934 that recognises outstanding leadership.

“This is the big one for us as it highlights our incredibly strong ‘green mind-set’ backed by a collective commitment with our company-wide stewardship programme that spans from our Board to across our entire team to be conscious about our impact on both our environment and community,” says Mark Rose, CEO of The Rees Hotel.

“We reward critical thinking that reduces our carbon footprint and as a result we’ve minimised waste, developed efficiency strategies and responsible initiatives with the intention to be the best corporate citizen within the broader community in which we live – New Zealand’s most popular tourism destination.”

“Skål International has 15,000 members in over 90 countries with direct ties to the United Nations – so it’s a real pinnacle to be recognised and such a substantial vote of confidence for our standards by our peers on the world stage.”

In 2009 Skål International entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations to align with the Environmental Programme of the global organisation. It says it’s “a powerful force in the travel and tourism industry to initiate change and encourage the conservation of the environment in order to promote tourism and travel.”

The intention of the world awards in Sustainable tourism says Skål International “is to maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them.”

Recently on 12th of October 2018 The Rees Management Ltd (TRML), the manager of The Rees Hotel Queenstown, New Zealand, was sold to interests associated with Pioneer Capital.

The independent, stylish, luxury property has consistently been internationally recognised and awarded for excellence including receiving New Zealand Tourism’s top Qualmark 5 Star Hotel & Gold Business Tourism Sustainability Award in 2018 and ‘Best NZ Hotel’ two year’s running (2017/18), in the HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.

Along with awards for service, for its fine dining restaurant True South, executive chef Ben Batterbury and for its wine list, the hotel is also a leader in community service and sustainability initiatives, constantly striving to maintain and further develop the high standards it has set in the New Zealand hospitality industry.

Skål International is a professional organisation of tourism leaders around the world that promote global tourism. Members include key tourism decision makers, owners of businesses, hotels, cruise ships, travel agencies and tour companies.

The Rees Hotel Queenstown blends chic five-star accommodation with all the comforts of home and the service and facilities of an elite international hotel. Situated on the absolute lakefront, The Rees’ terraced construction delivers complete privacy and showcases panoramic views overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables Mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Its landmark restaurant is the True South Dining Room.