For immediate release Thursday 12 September 2019
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

NZST and YoungTEC continue to drive tourism as a career

The fourth consecutive year of the New Zealand School of Tourism (NZST) Speed dating initiative has demonstrated the value of developing tourism careers with the largest group of participants this year, amounting to over 100.

Across three regions; Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland, NZST students met with Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (YoungTEC) members to share experiences of working in tourism and expose students to the range of career opportunities available.

Collaborating with the New Zealand School of Tourism on this initiative, we are working together to show the value of tourism as a career”.

NZST Chief Executive Officer, Kylie Wilson says, “We value our partnership with TECNZ and this initiative as it gives exposure to the next generation of tourism professionals to be inspired by current industry professionals they can easily relate to, whilst also having a chance to seek advice on upcoming career decisions they are reflecting on”.

The NZST Speed dating initiative is planning to run for a fifth year in 2020.  Wilson says “We are excited to continue deepening our relationship with TECNZ and YoungTEC, adding value to our students and the tourism industry”.

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

Beyond The Blue offers bespoke DMC services in New Zealand and the South Pacific, as well as Australia.

The team are highly skilled and experienced, catering for a range of travel agents, brokers and tour operators with differing structures and requirements.

Pioneering Ziptrek Ecotours founder finalist in top New Zealand tourism awards 

From architecture to guiding, outdoor education to tourism, with a degree of self-deprecation Trent Yeo says he “wandered with purpose” into the tourism industry.

Ten years down the track, what he’s achieved in setting up pioneering zipline company Ziptrek Ecotours, in tandem with multiple roles in industry organisations, events and working groups, on boards, as a speaker, facilitator, participant or host, is now being recognised.

This week he has been named a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards in the Emerging Tourism Leader category, recognising his work as an outstanding tourism professional.

The Queenstown-based multi-award-winning Zipline Ecotours is celebrating ten years in business this year, as the pioneers of ziplining in New Zealand and a recognised leader in business innovation, eco-tourism and sustainable business practice.

At its heart, it’s an eco-tourism company, aiming to educate and inspire others towards long-term environmental and sustainable practices. And Trent could not be more proud of what the company has achieved.

“Ziptrek Ecotours is now woven into the Queenstown’s deep tourism heritage,” he says. “Tens of thousands of people every year now hear a story of humanity’s link to our natural world.

“I am passionate about travel as a multiculturally influenced Chinese-Malaysian-Australian proudly in Aotearoa. The effect of empathy of places and people through travel is profound, and tourism has to be of ‘net good’ for the individual, community and planet.”

Trent says the value he brings to the wider tourism industry is as a generalist, a collaborator and with connections outside tourism.

“I’m optimistic and macro-focussed, simultaneously patient and impatient about delivering with more impact. I’m in tourism because it counts, because tourism is an investment in people.

“This may seem grand, but the emotional component of tourism is the most powerful aspect of tourism; the experience economy. We must transform thinking around humanity’s role in sustainability.”

Much of Trent’s value to the industry is through tourism and across other sectors, such as technology, startups and future focussed projects.

Forty percent of his time is spent on unpaid work, direct and indirect tourism and ‘extracurricular’ work on a national or local level, as a business leader and citizen.

“I’m very proud to be a finalist in the awards and to be a part of this amazing industry of people in Aotearoa,” says Trent. “There are some outstanding finalists in all categories and I’m looking forward to the awards night in October.”

ENDS

For further media information or hi res images please contact:

Ziptrek Ecotours
Nicky Busst
Email: nbusst@ziptrek.com
Phone: 027 721 9017
Web: www.ziptrek.com

OR

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

YoungTEC Awards welcome a new partnership

The Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (YoungTEC) welcome on board a new partner, Go with Tourism, to the YoungTEC Awards this year.

Go with Tourism is a new and game-changing job connector specifically designed for the tourism industry. The initiative was spearheaded by Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) and it is currently in the process of going national.

ATEED General Manager: Destination, Steve Armitage, says Go with Tourism is the perfect fit for the YoungTEC Awards, “YoungTEC’s mission to develop future leaders in the tourism industry aligns with our reason for launching Go with Tourism, which is to address the growing skills gap in the industry by attracting young talent as outlined in our Destination AKL 2025 strategy.

Through this partnership we continue to demonstrate that tourism is a desirable career choice; one that offers a variety of career pathways and opportunities that can lead to successful future’s for our rangatahi.”

The Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (YoungTEC) Award entries are now open and calling for applications.

The YoungTEC Awards are an accolade to the outstanding efforts and contribution to the development of New Zealand’s $39.1 billion tourism industry, by a YoungTEC member.  The Go with Tourism Rising Star Award highlights YoungTEC members who have been working in the tourism industry for less than five years and it focuses on career development.

YoungTEC’s Chair, Nicole Botting, says “the YoungTEC Awards are hotly contested each year by the future leaders of our industry. We are grateful to have the incredible support of Go with Tourism, helping us shine a spotlight on the exceptional careers our young people can have in tourism”.

The YoungTEC Awards are provided with great support from our partners.  Thanks to Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand for their continued contribution to the YoungTEC Excellence Award.  Their year after year support with development of young people in tourism is highly valued.

The YoungTEC Awards will be announced at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s Symposium event in Auckland on 4 December 2019.

There are some incredible prizes to be won, including a prize for the YoungTEC Excellence Award, two week professional development placement in one of Tourism New Zealand’s international offices, return economy flights sponsored by Air New Zealand and two week’s accommodation by Tourism Export Council of New Zealand.

Entries close on 3 October 2019, and finalists will be announced on 18 October. For more information on the YoungTEC categories, applications and key dates, visit https://www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec/ytec-awards/.

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.

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 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.botting@christchurchnz.com

DESTINATION WAIRARAPA BOSS TO STEP DOWN

After eight years in charge of the region’s tourism organisation, Destination Wairarapa, David Hancock is stepping down.

The announcement follows the recent signing off of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the three District Councils which ensures funding for Destination Wairarapa through to 2022.

Within that agreement is a review of what Destination Wairarapa deliver as a Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO).

“I’m very proud of where Destination Wairarapa has come from and sits now over my eight years as General Manager,” Mr Hancock says.

“With the position that the organisation is now in, it is an excellent time for someone else to take over.”

Mr Hancock says the tourism sector is a significant contributor to the local economy, with tourism related spend in Wairarapa nearly $195 million for the year ending June 2019.

“As an organisation Destination Wairarapa is performing very strongly, playing a key role in promoting and marketing the Wairarapa region.”

“A good demonstration of this is that while Wairarapa ranks 24th in terms of funding of the 30 RTOs in the country, our website performance in unique visitors and pages visited ranks 12th.

“This reflects well on the skill level of the team and how they promote the region and drive people to learn more about spending time in the Wairarapa.”

Destination Wairarapa board chair Robin Dunlop says Mr Hancock has a done a tremendous job, leading the organisation through a strong period of growth.

“Under David’s leadership Destination Wairarapa has become a well-regarded and very effective RTO. The Board will be very sad to see him go,” Dr Dunlop says.

Mr Hancock’s last day will be on December 20.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Walt Dickson

Media Communications & Content

Mobile:  0272959019

VR Hotels and Resorts are is a family owned company with 14 hotels currently in New Zealand. There are 6 in Auckland, with others in Rotorua, Hamilton, Taupo, Hanmer Springs, Christchurch and Queenstown.

The properties range from backpackers to 5 star luxury. The hotels are positioned well for the tour market with several properties located in fabulous tourist destinations including Queenstown, Rotorua and Hanmer Springs.

For over thirty years, Limousine Services Queenstown has provided its guests with unique travel experiences. With a focus on sightseeing and indulgence in equal parts, we provide our guests with unforgettable memories.

Offering custom designed transfers and sightseeing experiences, the Limousine Services Queenstown team loves to share its passion for New Zealand’s rich landscapes and heritage.

South Pacific Helicopters offer Whale Watching Flights and Scenic Flights by helicopter. It is an incredible way to view the wildlife and unique scenery of the area. We also offer Charter Flights, Bespoke Adventures, Heli-Picnics, Heli-rafting, Heli-tours, Heli-hikes, Heli-hunting and fishing, Back country farm visits by helicopter, Commercial Helicopter work.

Thursday 15 August
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)
For immediate release

Taranaki to showcase destination to TECNZ members in 2020

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) announced today it will be bringing its annual tourism conference to Taranaki in 2020.

“We are extremely pleased to return to the Taranaki region as the last time we held the conference in New Plymouth was in 1999, says Chief Executive of TECNZ, Judy Chen.

TECNZ tourism conference is hosted in a New Zealand region each year and offers about 250 delegates a plethora of compelling speakers, workshops and Biz-to-Biz meetings, and a chance to participate in regional product familiarisations.

“Over the last 20 years, Taranaki’s tourism attractions and activities have evolved significantly.  In recent years the region has developed an array of trade ready products that TECNZ is looking forward to highlighting. It is an opportunity to also experience the fantastic food and beverage scene as well as seeing its gardens and Mt Taranaki, says Ms Chen.”

“Having TECNZ back in our region after 20 years is a great opportunity to showcase all that Taranaki has to offer, says Venture Taranaki Chief Executive Justine Gilliland.

The region offers a very different visitor experience to that of 1999, as recognised by the strong growth in visitor numbers and accolades including the Lonely Planet Best in Travel award in 2017 as the world’s second best region.

We’ve got a fantastic itinerary planned that will ensure conference delegates get to see the best of the region and discover some of Taranaki’s best kept secrets,” Justine said.

“Many of these operators are members of TECNZ and we’re looking forward to highlighting and experiencing the attractions and activities,” says Ms Chen.

The 2020 TECNZ Tourism Conference will be hosted during 12-13 August.

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:

Thursday 15 August 2019
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)
For immediate release

2019 Tourism Operator Awards voted by Industry Peers

Three of New Zealand’s top tourism operators have been recognised as the best in the business comprising of categories; Inbound Operator of the Year, Allied Operator of the Year and Small Business Operator of the Year.

“Congratulations to our 2019 winners” says TECNZ Chief Executive, Judy Chen. “Our annual Operator of the Year Awards celebrate those who are highly engaged with their business partners in the industry and have excelled in areas of innovation, customer service and responsible tourism.”

The 2019 Tourism Operator Awards were presented last night by Anna Black, General Travel and Chair of TECNZ and Judy Chen, TECNZ at the iconic Transitional Church, Christchurch.

Ms Chen says “Past winners comment on the significance of receiving acknowledgment from their peers within the industry.  We are pleased to announce that the winners have a regional spread and are from all corners of New Zealand”.

The winners of the 2019 Operator of the Year Awards are:

Inbound Operator of the Year Award

• Pan Pacific Travel

Pan Pacific Travel is a privately owned and operated Australasian Inbound Operator with companies in New Zealand and Australia.  For over 35 years, they have been one of New Zealand’s leading inbound operators and destination management companies specialising in FIT, group, event and incentive Travel.  Pan Pacific Travel has made a significant investment in online booking technology to continue its drive for innovation.  They address sustainability by encouraging their team to take part in YoungTEC, signing up to the Tourism Sustainability Commitment, and contributing towards the Wingspan Programme supporting the work done around threatened New Zealand falcon.

Ms Chen said, “Pan Pacific Travel has been a long standing and highly regarded inbound operator in the tourism sector for over 35 years.  As the industry has grown, Pan Pacific Travel has sustained and adapted well with these changes.  This is a huge credit to Chris, Matt, Anne and their team.”

Allied Operator of the Year Award

• The Rees Hotel Queenstown

The Rees Hotel Queenstown opened in 2009, is independently owned and comprises of 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments and five Lakeside Residences situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.  The Rees Hotel Queenstown has created an incredibly high value export led business built on valuing people, caring for the environment and embracing the culture of Aotearoa; a ‘NZ Inc’ brand experience.  They are highly responsive and sensitive to the cultural needs of all its guests; examples of TIAKI initiatives include offering Islamic prayer mats, culturally diverse breakfast and Halal food items through to honouring Aotearoa’s bi-cultural history through Te Reo Māori being spoken and signposted at the property.

Ms Chen said, “The Rees Hotel Queenstown is an extraordinary exemplar that has embraced the TIAKI pillars of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, tiaki and whānau.  Chief Executive, Mark Rose can justifiably be proud of the unique and luxurious offering to New Zealanders and international guests.”

Small Business Operator of the Year Award

• OGO Rotorua

OGO Rotorua is owned and operated by the Kiwi inventors of downhill ball rolling and they are proud to share that after 10 years they have finally purchased back their original brand and company ZORB.  The team has a true kiwi can do attitude; their owners work onsite, design and build everything by hand, from their OGO factory, track designs, curvy walkways, quirky cubbyholes through to their new TOWGO which “floats” balls back to the top of the hill.  They have committed their team to completing the Manaaki Program which is a Rotorua centric customer service program specific to their destination covering Manaakitanga, Te Reo, Te Arawa history & Rotorua insights. This enables all their crew to interact and engage with their visitors and offering a deeper understanding of what Manaakitanga means to them and their visitors.

Ms Chen said, ”OGO Rotorua is another amazing company that has embraced Manaakitanga and how this can be incorporated with their visitors.  Andrew Akers, Owner, and his team can be elated for their contribution to the local community.”

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