Tourism Export Council of New Zealand | Travel industry news | Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

Luxury awaits at the heart of Queenstown Trail network with Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

A new destination has taken bike exploration of New Zealand’s prestigious wine growing region up a notch.

Opening its doors this month, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers twenty-four boutique villas, a landmark lodge for dining and intimate wine experiences, and a private spa, giving trail riders a five-star layover on their journey.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa has 130km of off-road biking trails at its doorstep – with the Gibbston River Trail section of the Queenstown Trail, one of ‘The Great Rides’, passing right past the property – and is set to become the beating heart of Central Otago’s burgeoning map of cycling trails.

News of the launch of the on-trail accommodation is being welcomed by Queenstown Trails Trust CEO Mark Williams.

“Central Otago’s network of off-road biking trails is steadily expanding, including the developing linkage between Clyde and Cromwell and future trails planned to connect Bannockburn and Gibbston, which will effectively link The Queenstown Trail with Central Otago’s iconic Rail Trail.”

“With Gibbston Valley at the very heart of this network, it’s exciting to have the Lodge & Spa open – adding a dimension of luxury for riders like we’ve never seen before”.

Guests can arrive at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa knowing their every whim and need will be taken care of.

Relax with a glass of wine or soak away any aches and pains from the day’s ride, before indulging in a perfectly paired food and wine experience in the Lodge.

Then retreat to one of the sumptuously comfortable villas for a night of uninterrupted rest and relaxation before embarking on the next day’s adventure.

If it isn’t taking part in one of The Great Rides – a two-day or four-day cycling expedition throughout Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston – then it’s the gentle pedal and relaxed pace that attracts so many riders of all skill level to Gibbston.

Ride a return loop from the Lodge & Spa to five neighbouring vineyards on a river trail that showcases the best of Queenstown wine country – or take one of the Lodge’s complimentary shuttles into Arrowtown for a one-way 16km trail ride back to Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, passing over the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, through Kawarau Gorge and into the ‘Valley of the Vines’ for the ultimate wine region day trip.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa’s Bike Centre has 35 bikes available for guests to hire and a range to suit all levels of riding abilities, including e-bikes and hardtail bikes.

With an onsite repair shop and bike mechanic the Lodge is fully equipped to provide servicing and trouble shoot any flat tyres along the way.

Guests of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa are offered free hardtail bike rental during their stay.

“Encouraging guests of the Winery to explore our region by bicycle has always been a core endeavour of ours with the onsite Bike Centre, but with the new Lodge & Spa premises we can offer an incredibly luxurious level of respite to their journey.” Greg Hunt, CEO Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Luxury experience packages are available to book now at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa including Ride the Vines. For further information and bookings go to https://www.gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.com/.

For further media information or images please contact:

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR

E: fiona@southernpr.co.nz

M: 0274 313 270

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – what you need to know

Villas feature 65m2 of private, open plan living space
Bathrooms feature a large walk-in shower, separate feature tub and dual basins
Complimentary bike use included for guests
Private wine tastings and intimate dinners available in the Lodge Cellar
Seasonal à la carte restaurant menu
Exciting range of wining, dining and leisure activities on the doorstep
Shuttles available for guests into Arrowtown and Queenstown
Spa features three private treatment rooms, a sauna, secluded hot pools and small gym
Just 20 minutes from Queenstown’s International Airport
Lodge & Spa designed by Queenstown architects Wyatt + Gray
Villa design by Space Studios

Young tourism leaders named as YoungTEC Award Winners

YoungTEC proudly announced the winners of their 2019 Excellence and Go with Tourism Rising Star awards. With a record breaking year of entries, these awards recognise the outstanding efforts and contribution of YoungTEC members to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Go with Tourism Rising Star Award

The winner and finalists are:

Ella Spittle, Southern Discoveries, Queenstown (Winner)
Zac Watson, ATEED, Auckland (Finalist)
Moerangi Vercoe, Rotorua Canopy Tours, Rotorua (Finalist)

Ella presented her success of redefining Southern Discoveries brand and launching the campaign ‘go further, get closer, discover more’. The judges emphasised her initiative with sustainability and her holistic approach to innovation in all parts of the business. She is clearly a passionate and skilled marketer.

The Go with Tourism Rising Star winner receives complimentary registration to the 2020 Tourism Export Council Annual Conference, YoungTEC Summit and Xmas Symposium, as well as $500 to assist with travel expenses courtesy of the TECNZ.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) Chief Executive Judy Chen says “Congratulations to Ella. She is an outstanding example of a rising star that has demonstrated strong leadership skills and introduced impactful initiatives at Southern Discoveries. We are proud to have her as a member of YoungTEC, and now as our 2019 Go with Tourism Rising Star award winner.”

Excellence Award

The winner and finalists are:

Rachel Leinhardt, Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua (Winner)
Nicole Botting, Maverick Digital, Auckland (Finalist)
Anthony Longman, Tourism Central Otago, Central Otago (Finalist)

Rachel’s achievements are highlighted with the marketing campaign and strategy she has obtained over the last four years at Skyline Rotorua. Her passion for the tourism industry is evident through the voluntary work she is involved in, including being a BYATA Board member and YoungTEC mentor.

TECNZ’s Chair, Anna Black says “All three finalists this year were of such a high calibre it was difficult to separate them. Rachel’s passion for the industry was evident. She demonstrated an impressive ability to learn from experiences and apply those learnings to continuously improve herself, her team and the industry as a whole.”

The Excellence award winner receives a two-week professional development placement in one of Tourism New Zealand’s international offices, return economy flights sponsored by Air New Zealand, and two weeks accommodation courtesy of TECNZ.

Thanks to our partners Air New Zealand, Go with Tourism and Tourism New Zealand for supporting us. Also, thanks to the judges involvement with this YoungTEC initiative.

ENDS.

About YoungTEC

YoungTEC is an organisation of young tourism professionals under the age of 36 years who are members of Tourism Export Council companies. A YoungTEC membership offers regular networking events with other young professionals in the tourism industry, educational workshops and a professional development programme complete with a mentor which gives you the most up-to-date tourism information and tips to take into your own workplace.

For more information on YoungTEC and to find out how to become a member visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/youngtourismexportcouncil.

For more information please contact:

Louisa Turner – Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 480 7252

office@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

Celebrating TECNZ’s newest Life Member

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) awarded Peter Black, General Travel a Life Membership at the TECNZ Xmas Symposium event in Auckland today.

The TECNZ Life Membership is a special form of membership that recognisees an individual who displays exceptional long serving contribution and services to the Inbound industry. A TECNZ member who goes above and beyond the ordinary.

Peter entered the tourism industry 54 years ago (in 1965) where he begun working at Atlantic and Pacific Travel in Auckland. In partnership with a former colleague, he started General Travel New Zealand (formerly known as The Tour Company) in 1973, an inbound company for both the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Over the intervening decades, Peter has worked tirelessly and mostly behind the scenes to grow inbound tourism. He has excelled at growing a small start up business into a large family run partnership and is an advocate for industry issues. Peter’s relationships on and offshore, his way of doing business and care for all the General Travel staff as part of this family unit have endured through good times and bad to create a successful and sustainable business.

In recognition of Peter’s membership, fellow TECNZ Life Member, Blair Sheehy says “It is an honour to present Peter his TECNZ Life Member award today and highlight his exceptional contribution to the inbound and the tourism industry. A true leader who has provided continuous and exemplary years of support and personal time”.

TECNZ Chief Executive Judy Chen says “It is a true testament of what Peter has provided to TECNZ members and the wider industry. We are delighted to have gained significant and sustained engagement from Peter in regards to the inbound industry. Congratulations on receiving this accolade”.

The TECNZ Board would like to formally welcome Peter as a TECNZ Life Member and thanks to his extended contribution to TECNZ and the tourism industry.

ENDS

TECNZ Life Membership

Life Membership is the highest Award available to recognise the exceptional contribution of individuals to Tourism Export Council of New Zealand. It is therefore only to be awarded in exceptional circumstances. In considering the award of Life Membership an individual should have demonstrated significant, sustained and high-quality service, enhancing the reputation and future of the Inbound industry and leaving a noteworthy legacy.

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.

For more information please contact:

Judy Chen

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836

Gibbston valley opens new luxury spa with wine on the menu

When Gibbston Valley Winery opens its new 5-star luxury lodge this month, a standout feature will be the luxurious private spa and – fittingly – its range of vinotherapy treatments.

Part of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa development near Queenstown, the Spa will offer guests a luxurious retreat for health, beauty and well-being and the unique opportunity to connect with the land and winery on a whole new level.

Nestled within the breathtakingly beautiful grounds of Gibbston Valley Winery’s 1000-acre estate and a few minutes’ walk from the new accommodation villas, the standalone spa building features three private treatment rooms.

Experienced therapists will offer a range of treatments to suit any personal indulgence, including vinotherapy face and body therapies using different parts of the grape and vine to benefit the skin.

Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt is thrilled with the innovative treatments on offer at the new spa.

“Unmitigated wine immersion is central to what we want guests to encounter here at the Lodge & Spa – a weekend full of unique, indulgent, and engaging experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in Queenstown,” says Greg.

“So quite naturally incorporating wine elements into our spa treatments enables us to offer guests a chance to embrace the winery and spa experience in a very special way.”

Vinotherapy treatments include the TheraVine™ Luxurious Pinotage & Lime Salt Scrub, a full-body exfoliation that harnesses grape extracts, mineral salts and a citrus infusion to reveal silky, rejuvenated skin, and the Aromavine™ Uplifting Massage where a 100% natural blend of grapeseed, clary sage, rose and jasmine oils will leave guests feeling equal parts relaxed and invigorated.

Other signature treatments include a pampering massage using locally sourced Greenstone and Quartz, a Mud-Detox wrap where warm clay is applied in a full body envelope to draw out toxins, or a variety of tailored packages for individual or couple indulgences.

For total relaxation, guests can immerse themselves in one of two open-air hot tubs nestled into the hillside behind the Spa, offering an outdoor bathing experience with uninterrupted views of Central Otago’s ruggedly charismatic landscape.

Those who like to ‘sweat it out’ will enjoy the intimate yet well-appointed gym inside the spa building. Equipped with state-of cardio machines, free weights and a private all-hours access the gym provides a secure and tranquil place for guests to workout.

At the helm of the Spa is the newly appointed Spa Manager Frances Shirley. With over twelve years’ experience in massage therapy and spa management, UK-born Shirley is a trained beauty and massage therapist. She brings with her a breadth of skill and knowledge gained from previous roles at high-end luxury spas, including locally Matakauri Lodge and Hilton Queenstown.

“The aim of the new Spa is to create a calm, trusting and kind atmosphere for our guests that extends from the treatment rooms all the way back to their villa. Our therapists are intuitive, enthusiastic and highly trained offering tailored treatments and a wealth of knowledge to ensure every guest has a personalised and relaxing experience,” says Frances.

Catering to guests of Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, the Spa will be opening alongside the landmark Lodge and twenty-four private villas this month. For Spa information and bookings please visit: https://www.gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.com/spa/

For further media information or images please contact:

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR

E: fiona@southernpr.co.nz

M: 0274 313 270

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – what you need to know

Villas feature 65m2 of private, open plan living space
Bathrooms feature a large walk-in shower, separate feature tub and dual basins
Complimentary bike use included for guests
Private wine tastings and intimate dinners available in the Lodge Cellar
Seasonal à la carte restaurant menu
Exciting range of wining, dining and leisure activities on the doorstep
Shuttles available for guests into Arrowtown and Queenstown
Spa features three private treatment rooms, a sauna, secluded hot pools and small gym
Just 20 minutes from Queenstown’s International Airport
Lodge & Spa designed by Queenstown architects Wyatt + Gray
Villa design by Space Studios

YoungTEC conference tackles the challenge of tourism as a career

The YoungTEC members gather today in Auckland to discuss and be part of the thought provoking theme, ‘Tourism is a great career, right?’ at this year’s YoungTEC Summit.

A record number of attendees will take a deep dive into the challenges our young people face when choosing tourism as a career and the event will provide some inspiration on how to approach these challenges.

Mike Phillips, who has a background as a lawyer, public speaker and radio host is facilitating the workshop on ‘Tourism as a career’. Mike is from LEGO Serious Play has an outstanding ability to create innovative solutions to challenges.

YoungTEC’s Chair Nicole Botting says ‘Tourism is an incredible career choice and we want to ensure that we are supporting the many new people joining our industry by giving our young people the tools they need to prolong their career in tourism.’

Matt Stenton from Go with Tourism (GWT) joins the panel session of ‘how we can better support our young people in tourism’ and after the $5.2 million investment provided towards the GWT initiative, he will share what GWT has in the pipeline to help build a better tourism workforce. Joining him on the panel is Dylan Rushbrook (Tourism Talent), Lisa Bond (Whale Watch Kaikoura), Travis Donoghue (thl) and facilitated by Zac Watson (ATEED).

Thanks for our partners Auckland Zoo, Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set and Tourism New Zealand.

Another YoungTEC event this week, the ‘Leadership Day’ facilitated by The Icehouse, is attended by a select group of young leaders within the tourism industry to build leadership capability and confidence. Thanks to AJ Hackett Bungy and the Hospitality Training Trust for your support.

ENDS.

About YoungTEC

For more information on YoungTEC and to find out how to become a member visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/youngtourismexportcouncil.

For more information please contact:

Nicole Botting – YoungTEC Chair

027 418 8943

nicole@maverickdigital.nz

Iconic Event Venue Wairakei Resort Taupo Launches New Conference Video

Wairakei Resort Taupo is one of New Zealand’s most iconic conference and event hotels and a new promotional video highlights some of the reasons it is so beloved by event organisers.

“This property has so many unique selling points and we felt that static photos of our beautiful grounds, rooms and facilities were not doing the resort justice,” says Director of Sales and Marketing Lee Watkins.

“The video showcases our function and accommodation rooms, an example of how our extensive grounds can be used for team building activities and even sneaks in some shots of our international street food night market experience that was launched this past summer.”

Situated in the heart of the central north island, this historic property is undergoing a resurgence as one of New Zealand’s premier locations for destination conferencing.

“Our sales and marketing team has grown in the past year and we are working hard to remind the market that Wairakei Resort Taupo is right here in the middle of the North Island with the grounds, facilities and team to deliver a truly memorable event,” says Watkins.

“2020 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year and we hope that this new video lets event organisers visualise how an event can look at Wairakei Resort Taupo and helps to drive even more enquiries.”

For more information on Wairakei Resort Taupo for your next conference or event and to learn about their current promotions visit https://www.wairakei.co.nz/meetings-events/ or email conference@wairakei.co.nz.

– Ends –

Ash Palmer, Marketing Manager

Chateau Tongariro Hotel & Wairakei Resort Taupo

DDI: 07 374 9693 | M: 027 319 3299 | T: 07 374 9004

Showcasing New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability

Chief Executive of Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ), Judy Chen, shared her insights on sustainability trends to more than 500 delegates, at the Australian Tourism Export Council’s (ATEC) annual conference ‘ATEC Meeting Place’ in Brisbane this week.

Showcasing the one-year-old visitor behaviour engagement campaign, Tiaki – Care for New Zealand, on a global panel session where, for the inaugural time, she was joined by David Frost, Chief Executive of Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and Tom Jenkins, Chief Executive of European Tourism Association.

“Over 89% of New Zealanders believe that Tiaki – Care for New Zealand is important and this initiative is admired by a number of our international colleagues as a great example aligning environmental, cultural, and social elements of sustainability” says Ms Chen.

The key objective of the panel discussion highlighted how the inbound tourism industry can best lead, develop, and promote sustainable business practices. This addresses the conference theme to foster conversations around sustainability awareness within distribution that will help guide businesses into the future.

“Despite being based in different parts of the world, key challenges like carbon emissions is something we all face and are starting to address.

The New Zealand tourism industry is fully committed to protecting and preserving our home for future generations, and we aim to be a world leader in this space.

Our industry has a strong focus on collaboration and I am extremely proud to have shared our journey so far with our counterparts in Australia.”

ENDS

Our company is an Inbound Travel Agent, which provide a vital link between the suppliers of New Zealand tourism product and overseas travel companies. We promote and sell NZ travel packages to Taiwan market.

From Front Office to GM – Stewart Manson returns to Crowne Plaza Queenstown as new General Manager

A ski trip to Queenstown 13 years ago led to Stewart Manson’s start in the New Zealand hospitality industry at Crowne Plaza Queenstown.

And from early next month it will be a case of déjà vu for the now experienced hotelier as he returns to the property as General Manager.

Scottish-born Stewart, 37, was Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s Front Office Supervisor from May 2006, a diverse position that saw him covering everything from night audit and concierge to reservations and duty manager roles.

He’d come to New Zealand to go travelling after spending nine years in the industry in Scotland, then got the job because he’d found somewhere he wanted to stay.

He moved to Sydney in 2011 before becoming Hotel Manager at Crowne Plaza Port Moresby from 2013 to 2017. Most recently he’s been General Manager at Lasseters Alice Springs, home to the 205-room Crowne Alice Springs, a convention centre for up to 1200 delegates and six food and beverage venues.

“I feel like I’ve come full circle with the move back to Queenstown and I can’t wait,” he says.

“I loved my time in the resort and I’ve only been back twice to play golf on its amazing courses.

“I’m most looking forward to re-connecting with the property and some staff who are still there all these years later, enjoying outdoor activities such as trail running in the mountains, and going skiing and snowboarding with my family,” he says.

“I love Queenstown as a year-round tourist destination, it’s just one of those special places that draws you back.”

Stewart’s leadership style and experience is welcomed by IHG’s Area General Manager – New Zealand Tim Pollock.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Stewart back to New Zealand and know that his wealth of experiences will add exceptional value to Crowne Plaza Queenstown,” Tim says.

“Having worked with Stewart in Papua New Guinea I know he’ll be an excellent addition to the property.

“We wish him every success in his role.”

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Tim Pollock

IHG Area General Manager for New Zealand

T: +64 (9) 375 4901

E: tim.pollock@ihg.com

The Rees Hotel Named “undisputed market leader” in World Ski Tourism Award

‘Best Ski Hotel in New Zealand 2019’

The Rees Queenstown has been officially recognised as the ‘Best Ski Hotel in New Zealand 2019’ at the World Ski Awards in Kitzbühel, Austria today.

The annual premiere awards programme now in its 7^th year celebrates excellence in ski tourism and brings together representatives from ski nations across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australasia.

It is the fourth consecutive time the luxury 5 star hotel, luxury apartments & lakeside residences on the shores of the Wakatipu overlooking the Remarkables has been voted the number one world class performer.

The win is an international stamp of approval by peers, agents, industry groups and guests as the hotel has no oversight over who votes.

Sion Rapson, Managing Director of the World Ski Awards calls the win a “remarkable achievement”.

“Throughout the year, a record number of votes have been cast by leading ski tourism professionals as well as hundreds of thousands of ski consumers from across the globe. Ski tourism’s highest accolade is truly deserved and rewards your commitment to excellence and determination to become the undisputed market leader,” he says.

The Rees is dedicated to ensuring both skiers and snowboarders have a truly unforgettable New Zealand winter experience. Year-on-year the hotel’s innovations and collaborations seek to raise the service benchmark to the next level.

“We love the challenge of creating personalised experiences that lift the bar not only for the winter season, but all year round,” says Mark Rose, CEO of The Rees Hotel.

The smorgasbord of snow packages the property offers is extensive. They cater to all levels from the beginner to the elite freestyle powder-hound. From heli-skiing in the heart of the Southern Alps to exclusive access to backcountry terrain and all the top skifields that Queenstown has to offer.

“We launched our ‘Soho Experience’ this season – it’s an exclusive skiing experience over 260 hectares of the private backcountry Soho Basin complete with snowcat transfers that ends with a gourmet three-course lunch which has proven to be a fantastic collaboration that we’re really proud of,” Rose says.

Skiing families are a specialty too at the luxury property with cute activity packs for every child on arrival, in-house babysitters, degustation menus even private cooking lessons with the Executive Chef Corey Hume.

All guests enjoy the convenience of an on-site ski locker plus in-room custom fittings for all ski rental equipment. The fuss free bespoke service is simple and made online prior to arrival. Follow-up service and collection is included.

For the last decade The Rees has been a dedicated accommodation sponsor of the Queenstown Winter Festival as part of its commitment to support one of the most significant winter tourism events at New Zealand’s most popular tourism destination.

ENDS

Media please contact:
Sarah Sparks

Sarah.sparks@markompr.com
+6421318813