Accolades come thick and fast for Ziptrek Ecotours

The accolades are flowing thick and fast for the team at Queenstown’s Ziptrek Ecotours.

Last night founder Trent Yeo won the PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award in the prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards, recognising his work as an outstanding tourism professional.

And today (Friday October 25) Ziptrek Sales Executive Kenny Wynter was announced as the only Queenstown-based member on the seven-strong YoungTEC Executive team for 2020.

YoungTEC is an arm of the Tourism Export Council which offers support, education and networking opportunities to young tourism professionals.

Trent says his award, while recognising his achievements in setting up the pioneering zipline company in tandem with multiple roles in industry organisations, events and working groups throughout New Zealand, could not have been achieved without his ‘team’.

“The tourism leader award isn’t just about me; it recognises the hard work of all the crew, past and present, who have contributed so much in the almost ten years we’ve been in operation,” he says.

Ziptrek Ecotours is a recognised leader in business innovation, eco-tourism and sustainable business practice, and Trent says the award could not have come at a better time for the business and the industry as a whole.

“Entering the award brought into sharp focus how much time and effort I’ve put not only into  Ziptrek but into the wider industry,” he says. “I’m really excited to be at the peak of my career when the New Zealand tourism industry is moving so strongly towards developing our sustainability on a global scale.”

The judges recognised Trent’s ability and commitment to go beyond his own business and demonstrate what they called “great examples of transformational leadership”, impressed with giving his time and generosity to the industry at the same time as the business recorded excellent achievements.

They also praised his entrepreneurial approach and innovation, and his dedication to responsible and sustainable tourism.

Meanwhile, Kenny said he was “excited to contribute, collaborate, learn and listen” in his role on the YoungTEC executive to continue to improve on New Zealand’s unique tourism offering.

He began his tourism journey by studying for a degree in International Tourism Management, and his passion for social licence meant his dissertation explored Corporate Social Responsibility.

After graduating he was naturally drawn to work for Ziptrek Ecotours, giving him an introduction to the world of eco-tourism. After working for them for a year, he left to gain international experience before returning to Ziptrek in 2017.

“I’ve been working to spread the word about their stance as the pioneers in eco-exhilaration ever since,” he says.

His other industry roles include being a member of the BYATA steering group for Queenstown, taking issues and initiatives to a national level, and also being an active member of Queenstown Young Professionals.

Multi-award-winning Zipline Ecotours is celebrating ten years in business this year, as the pioneers of ziplining and eco-tourism in New Zealand.

For further media information or hi res images please contact: 

Southern PR
Fiona Woodham
E: fiona@southernpr.co.nz
P: 0274 313 270 

Chief Executive Judy Chen leaves TECNZ

Judy Chen is stepping down as Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ). She has held the position for the past two years and will be leaving the association in January 2020.

“It has been a privilege to have represented our members and the wider inbound tourism industry as we have many incredible people and products contributing towards our country’s number one export sector.”

“Being able to share our knowledge to assist others to succeed and hopefully making a difference has been an extremely rewarding experience,” she says.

Anna Black, TECNZ Board Chair, commended Chen’s contribution to the association. “Judy’s passionate drive has delivered outstanding results in our member engagement activities as well as raising the profile and relevancy of the value of our sector.”

“As an organisation TECNZ is performing very strongly, playing a key role in advocating for inbound tourism businesses,” she says.

“Judy has done a tremendous job and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

ENDS

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

Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836

Tourism industry facing a steady summer season after years of stellar growth

The tourism industry is busy preparing for the summer season despite numbers from some markets dropping back from the record highs of past years.

Tourism Export Council Chief Executive Judy Chen said the sector is experiencing a mixed performance in visitor arrivals this summer.

“It looks like we’re stabilising after years of double-digit growth but as a whole it’s looking like it’s going to be a reasonable summer for most operators after a relatively quiet winter period.”

“More importantly, the spend per visitor is holding well and many in our premium sector are expecting a really good summer.”

Overall, the Australian and US markets are expected to hold up well over the peak summer months, Europe was holding steady but China looks likely to continue to pull back from the dramatic growth of past years.

Stuart Neels, Group General Manager of The AOT Group NZ, said flight shaming was receiving more profile in the European and Scandinavian media and while it wouldn’t necessarily translate into an immediate change in behaviour, travellers were becoming more aware of it as an issue.

With the uncertainty being caused by Brexit in the UK, the crucial September and October booking period had been affected, he said.

Anna Black, Executive Director of General Travel New Zealand, said in a softening market everyone was hungry for business and diversification into multiple markets would hold companies in good stead.

“We are looking at the 2019/2020 season as a ‘market correction’ after three to five years of incredible, unprecedented growth. The forecast is still putting numbers above where we were at two to three years ago. This is a time to take stock, up-skill staff and plan for a busy yet more manageable season,” she said.

China remains a dominant market for New Zealand and as a destination it is now well-positioned as a premier destination popular with younger independent travellers making up nearly 70 per cent of arrivals.

Lisa Li from China Travel Service said as a premium destination New Zealand was achieving high satisfaction rates with visitors and should not expect dramatic growth year-on-year.

“What we are also seeing is how fast youth travellers from China are embracing technology, and that is reflected in their travel choices. They are a heavily technology-savvy generation doing everything from sourcing information to making reservations to making payments over their mobile phone and companies have to be able to support that way of doing business,” Ms Li said.

“Things in the tourism industry are never static and we are seeing new trends emerging quickly, particularly in areas like concern over travellers’ environmental footprint and the use of technology,” Ms Chen said.

For many tourism businesses this is a good opportunity to reflect and ensure they are well set up for future growth.

ENDS

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

New era for Air New Zealand’s International Network

Air New Zealand is accelerating its ambitions for North America and will launch a non-stop service between Auckland and New York using its 787-9 Dreamliner in October 2020.

To direct capacity to faster-growing markets, the airline has also made the difficult decision to withdraw from its daily Los Angeles-London service from October 2020.

Air New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeff McDowall says while it’s hard to farewell such an iconic route, the airline must remain focused on markets with the greatest opportunity for long-term profitable growth.

“Air New Zealand is strongest when operating direct flights to and from our home base and this reset will put us in the best possible position to take advantage of increasing demand across the Pacific Rim.

“Visitor growth to New Zealand is strongest from North America and performance of our new service to Chicago is exceeding expectations. New York has been an aspiration for Air New Zealand for some time and withdrawal from the Atlantic will free up aircraft capacity to make this milestone a reality,” says Mr McDowall.

Air New Zealand will fly between Auckland and its alliance partner United Airlines’ New York hub Newark Liberty International Airport three times weekly, year-round, using its latest configuration Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Tickets for Air New Zealand’s New York service will go on sale soon, subject to regulatory approvals and landing slot confirmation.

London decision

Los Angeles-London has been a flagship route for Air New Zealand and an important link connecting New Zealand and Europe since its launch in 1982, however Mr McDowall says market dynamics have affected performance in recent years.

“Today Kiwis have more than twice the number of ways to fly to London than a decade ago and preferences have changed. Less than seven percent of all airline travellers between Auckland and London chose to fly via Los Angeles last year.

“At the same time, the Atlantic has become one of the most hotly contested routes in the world and Air New Zealand lacks the home market advantages and scale of the North American and European airlines we’re up against.”

Mr McDowall says the hardest aspect of the decision is the impact on Air New Zealand’s people who’ve worked incredibly hard to build the route and to achieve the highest customer satisfaction levels across the airline’s international network.

“Sadly, the withdrawal will see the disestablishment of our London cabin crew base of around 130 people and, subject to consultation, around 25 roles in our Hammersmith sales office and ground team. We will be working with our people and their union to help with the next steps in their career, including looking at opportunities in other areas of the airline.”

Los Angeles-London will operate as scheduled until October 2020 and no tickets have been sold beyond this date. Air New Zealand has chosen to announce the withdrawal more than a year in advance to allow time to support its people and to avoid any impact to customers booked to travel.

Europe, including the UK, remains a significant sales region for Air New Zealand. Currently more than two thirds of revenue generated by its London team is unrelated to the Atlantic route and the airline will retain a sales, marketing and cargo presence in London to serve this important market, including after the cessation of its Los Angeles-London service.

“We fully expect customers will want to take advantage of the many connection options on our partner networks through Air New Zealand’s gateways in Asia and the Americas, including New York. It’s important to us that customers continue to enjoy a seamless journey, and we’ll be working closely with our partners to ensure the best experience and benefits for travellers,” says Mr McDowall.

Note to editors: 

• From October 2020, Air New Zealand customers will be able to travel year-round between Auckland and London with partner airlines via 12 gateways in Asia and the Americas, including New York.
• Air New Zealand will operate its 787-9 ‘Code 2’ aircraft to New York. This aircraft has a275-seat configuration with a higher proportion of Business Premier and Premium Economy seating.
• At a flight time of 15hr 40m northbound and 17hr 40m southbound, the 14,178 kilometreroute will be Air New Zealand’s longest and the fifth longest in the world by distance.
• The New York operation is subject to final regulatory approvals and crewing agreements.

Click here or on the image above to download clips of Air New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeff McDowall discussing the network changes.

Ends

Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.

Email: media@airnz.co.nz  │  Phone: +64 21 747 320  │  Twitter: @AirNZMedia

Hotel management students receive boost from industry

The inaugural winners of the New Zealand Hotel Industry Scholarships have been announced.

The scholarships were on offer to young New Zealanders entering their final year of degree study in hotel management.

The first two scholarships, managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and Horwath HTL, have been awarded to:

• Imogen Graham
• Kate Sweeney

Alongside a prize of up to $3000 towards their course fees, the winners will have access to valuable connections to the industry. They will also gain entry to industry events including the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference and Hotel Industry Awards Gala Dinner.

“Imogen and Kate both showed a real commitment to the industry in their applications,” says TIA Hotel Sector Manager Sally Attfield. “As well as recognising the value of the scholarships, both applicants demonstrated a genuine drive to succeed in the hotel industry. They each offered insightful comments in their interviews that showed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Horwath HTL Director Stephen Hamilton says he is looking forward to seeing the scholarships support Imogen and Kate in their journeys and careers. “Both winners clearly have very bright futures ahead of them,” he says.

TIA and Horwath HTL are co-hosts of the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference.

About the winners

Imogen Graham
Imogen was awarded the scholarship to put towards tuition fees for her Master of Global Management at Victoria University of Wellington.

“The scholarship will allow me to have a deeper understanding of the industry and the emerging trends regarding guest experiences and leadership challenges,” says Imogen.

“It will help with understanding hotels in New Zealand and their global positioning. Establishing connections in the hotel industry will offer a wider network for problem solving.”

Kate Sweeney

Kate is studying a Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Hotel and Tourism Management and Global Business at Lincoln University.

When asked what attracted her to the hotel sector, Kate said: “This job is one that is secure and will constantly stay interesting. No two days in the hotel sector are the same and the development within the sector ensures there are sustainable career outcomes.”

“Winning this scholarship will not only ease the financial pressure of covering my course costs, but it will give me an advantage against others in my career.”

For more information, go to New Zealand Hotel Industry Scholarship.

For further information, please contact:

Edgewater’s Lonely Tree ‘Revealed’

With a bright red bow wrapped around it, Edgewater’s Lonely Tree Gift area was officially opened on Friday 18^th October by Board Chairman, David Robinson and Project Manager Karen Peat.

The Lonely Tree Gift area is located in Edgewater’s hotel lobby and offers guests and visitors a carefully curated range of unique local and New Zealand styled products including Roy the Ram (soft toy), authorised Southern Lakes Tartan throws & cushions, carry all bags, Edgewater exclusive designed tea towels, locally made soaps, room fragrances and much more.

Lonely Tree Gifts is a Wanaka stockist of the premium collection of Boh Runga’s jewellery collection.

According to General Manager, Catherine Bone, “Guests are often looking for a memento of their time with us.  Practically was also a focus, so the items are lightweight and easy for our guests to take home”.

The development of Lonely Tree Gifts is a new initiative by Edgewater hotel to enhance the guest experience.

The name reflects Edgewater’s close proximity to ‘That Wanaka Tree’, a lone tree growing out of the lake.  “Our guests take great delight in photographing That Wanaka Tree but often comment that it is lonely, hence the inspiration to call our gift area Lonely Tree Gifts.”, adds Catherine.

A specific logo has been developed and can be found in the drop box below along with images from the opening event.

ENDS

For further comment

Catherine Bone, General Manager, Ph: 022 592 2817

For further details on the hotel

Trish May, Business Development, Ph 021 916 188, Email: bd@edgewater.co.nz

2019 YoungTEC Awards finalists announced

YoungTEC is proud to announce the finalists 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 finalists for the 2019 Go with Tourism Rising Star award are:

• Zac Watson, ATEED, Auckland
• Moerangi Vercoe, Rotorua Canopy Tours, Rotorua
• Ella Spittle, Southern Discoveries, Queenstown

Zac showed great achievement on the Go with Tourism and Auckland Ambassador programme and how innovative he was with working with a newly developed team.  Its evident he has a huge passion for the industry.

Moerangi demonstrated strong development through all areas of Rotorua Canopy Tours from operations, marketing and strategy to then achieve overall business goals.  She has a great connection with the local schools to promote tourism as a career.

Ella presented her success of redefining Southern Discoveries brand and launching the campaign ‘go further, get closer, discover more’.  She is clearly a passionate and skilled marketer.

YoungTEC Chair Nicole Botting says ‘The Go with Tourism Rising Star applicants showed an incredible passion for tourism and a motivation to make a real change in our industry. We are humbled and inspired by these remarkable young people, and I personally cannot wait to see where their careers take them’.

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 Tourism Export Council of NZ.

Excellence Award

The finalists for the 2019 Excellence award are:

• Nicole Botting, Maverick Digital, Auckland
• Rachel Leinhardt, Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua
• Anthony Longman, Tourism Central Otago, Central Otago

Nicole has excellent and broad experience as well as contributions across a number of roles so early in her career, including Brand Manager for Kiwi Experience and Discover Waitomo at Tourism Holdings, bringing the Christchurch Story to life as Destination Marketing Manager at ChristchurchNZ and her recent role Head of Delivery at Maverick Digital.  Outside of her employment she demonstrates an impressive development of the next generation of tourism professionals through leading the YoungTEC Executive and events for the YoungTEC members.

Rachel 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.

Anthony demonstrates success through his Digital Marketing role at Tourism Central Otago and substantially growing the Eat.Taste.Central event and involvement with the Responsible Camping Programmes and the community ‘Tidy the Trails’ event.  Outside of his work he shows great motivation in the adventure world, including Race Director for the most challenging marathons in Australasia ‘Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon’ and is involved with various boards; Mountain bikers of Alexandra, Central Otago Whitewater  and Freestyle Kayak Association.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) Chief Executive Judy Chen says “our YoungTEC members who have become finalists have excelled in the outstanding efforts and contribution and development of New Zealand’s tourism industry.  Congratulations to all 2019 finalists”.

The Excellence award winner receives a two-week professional development placement in one of Tourism New Zealand’s international offices, flights and accommodation sponsored by Air New Zealand and Accor Hotels, and two weeks room only accommodation courtesy of the Tourism Export Council.

Thanks to our partners Air New Zealand, Go with Tourism and Tourism New Zealand for supporting us.

The winners will be announced at the TECNZ Xmas Symposium, Auckland on 4 December.

Registrations for this event are available here.

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 – YoungTEC Communications

027 480 7252

young@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

The Red Barn is an iconic turn-of-the-century function venue and farm tour operator . Set on a 500 acre working dairy farm in the Waikato region, The Red Barn specialises in tour groups, farm tours, weddings, functions and bespoke events. Proudly NZ owned and operated for over 10 years by Lance & Bridgette O’Sullivan.