Winners Announced for the 2024 TECNZ Tourism Operator of the Year Awards and YoungTEC Awards
Four of New Zealand’s top tourism businesses, one industry leader and two promising YoungTEC individuals have been recognised as the best in the business at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) Awards dinner at their annual conference.
The prestigious and much sought after TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are nominated and voted by members. They recognise excellence in terms of quality, professional development for team, health and safety, sustainability, business systems and outstanding visitor experiences.
New this year is the separation of small and large businesses in each category.
The YoungTEC Awards recognise outstanding efforts and contribution to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry. They are based on an application and interview process supported by Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand of which we are grateful for their support and involvement.
“Congratulations to our 2024 winners” says TECNZ Chief Executive, Lynda Keene. “The calibre of nominations this year was outstanding with some very close scoring.”
The 2024 TECNZ and YoungTEC Awards were presented by Chief Executive Lynda Keene and Scott Mehrtens during the TECNZ Conference at Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill.
The winners of the 2024 TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are:
- Small Inbound Operator of the Year Award – New Zealand Educational Tours
- Large Inbound Operator of the Year Award – Southern Crossings
- Small Allied Operator of the Year Award – Gannet Safaris Overland
- Large Allied Operator of the Year Award – RealNZ
- Good Sort – Cecil Potatau
The winners of the 2024 YoungTEC Awards are:
- YoungTEC Emerging Leader – Charlotte Brady
- YoungTEC Rising Star – William Cannon
International Tourism Industry Comes to the Great South
The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) with 300 plus delegates is delighted to bring their annual conference in Invercargill this week for the very first time in its 52-year history to discuss all things relating to international tourism and its future.
Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Lynda Keene said, “It’s great to be here and our thanks the Great South team for a great pitch to bring the conference to the region.
The tourism industry’s recovery has gone well over the past two years achieving 82% of pre-Covid international visitor arrivals. There is still more work to do to attract more holiday arrivals but we’re heading in the right direction. The international tourisms sector is close to regaining its spot as the countries’ largest export earner (forecast to be year-end March 2026) and the conference provides a timely opportunity to discuss the important issues facing the industry and look ahead to the future.”
Chief Executive of Great South, Chami Abeysinghe said the region is delighted to be hosting the TECNZ conference in Invercargill. We’ve heard many delegates haven’t been to Invercargill for 30 years, so this has been a great opportunity to showcase the Great South visitor offering to key influences and decision makers that can drive international visitation for us. We’re keen to share the great Southern hospitality we know we have with delegates to help create a successful and memorable conference for everyone. Haere mai, a very warm welcome to Waihōpai Invercargill and Murihiku, Southland region.
The TECNZ Tourism Trade Event will again feature at this year’s event. The purpose of the trade event is to provide a platform for tourism businesses to inform Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) on updates and developments to their visitor experiences and products for international travellers to be sold offshore.
Opening the conference hosted by MC Mike McRoberts will be Hon Matt Doocey Minister of Tourism and keynotes from Brad Olsen: Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics. Chris Bull, Engineer from SpaceOps NZ is the conference local speaker and Dave Wild, ‘Navigating the New Frontier’ both presenting a futuristic view of tourism.
On day two delegates will also hear the latest in international tourism trends from Tourism New Zealand and inbound tourism leaders working in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, China and Asia markets with the latest strategy and insights from Tourism New Zealand. Other speakers include Duncan Roy from Interislander, Mike Nolan from the Disabled Persons Assembly and a YoungTEC panel sharing insights on attracting a younger workforce.
ENDS
Media contact:
Lynda Keene, phone: 027 66 44 836
We have been flying aircraft in the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970. The same pioneering family, still own and operate the company. Over the last 50 years we have grown from a single aircraft operation to a fleet of 8 aircraft. We are one of New Zealand’s largest scenic flight airlines.
Safety is our number one priority and our company has been awarded “The Director of Civil Aviation’s Award for Safety” and has gained considerable recognition over the years for contributions to air safety in the region.
We operate a large and varied fleet of modern aircraft, which are designed especially for flight-seeing. The company operates from its own airports located at both Lake Tekapo and Franz Josef Glacier. In addition, bases at Glentanner Park (near Mount Cook) and Twizel ensure flexible flight options for larger tour groups and charter flights.
Our pilots are extremely experienced in this alpine environment and provide a full in flight commentary on the countryside they know.
We are proud to be Qualmark endorsed and also have Qualmark Enviro GOLD accreditation.
We look forward to flying you.
Remote, Bespoke Adventures – Fiordland and Stewart Island
Whether you’re planning a unique getaway for two, gathering a like-minded crew for an epic expedition or crafting a family holiday you’ll remember forever, we have the magic recipe to make it all happen.
Stay aboard our distinctive motor-sail vessel Breaksea Girl; your home in the wild. With all the creature comforts, a small family of expert guides and a collection of multi-day adventures customised to get you closer than ever before.
Select one of our curated adventures or craft your own epic adventure of a lifetime – sail, kayak, free dive, snorkel, catch a feed for the table, stroll, wine, dine and unwind; or just sit back and let Mother Nature work her magic.
Our family has been living & farming in the Mackenzie high country since 1928 and have owned and managed land since 1935. We farm a combined total of 50,000 acres of land split across Two Merino sheep stations, Mt Hay & Balmoral Stations.
We have now opened access to our land for a variety of tourism operations, from a family friendly petting zoo & farm tours to bespoke fishing & hunting tours.
Our aim is to provide visitors to Lake Tekapo the option to experience the High-Country adventure of their choice.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our home.
Kaewa Tours is a family-owned company (Tom Collier and Jill Burns) established late 2020.
We are solely dedicated to private tours of up to 11 people therefore your customers tour will be precisely their own tour. However, larger groups can be catered for upon enquiry.
We operate boutique and unique tours of Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast from solo travellers up to 11 guests capturing the best sights, smells and tastes of Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast has to offer focusing on the finer things in life – Wine, Food and Craft Beer!
We also operate Scenic and Lord of the Rings Scene location tours as well as multi day tours staying in our own home on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast.
Grow Tourism is a learning platform equipping our workforce and empowering the visitor economy of tomorrow.
Bite-sized professional development courses and customised training and consulting options deliver high-impact learning to staff, while surfacing business improvement opportunities powered by AI.
Developed by industry experts, learners explore concepts including building commercial frameworks, delivering outstanding customer experiences and sustainability storytelling. Case studies like AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand and Sudima Hotels bring learning to life.
Grow, engage and retain your people. Power up your business improvement. And make your mark in a tourism industry leaning in to a higher-values future.
Regional Tourism Organisation working to promote the Mackenzie Region. The region is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, longest glacier, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and largest dark sky reserve.
The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is a multi-faceted immersive experience celebrating the art and architecture of Austrian painter, ecologist, architect, visionary, Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Visitors can experience architecture in harmony with nature including an Afforested Roof, be inspired by the largest collection of Hundertwasser artworks outside of Vienna as well as living examples of Hundertwasser’s ecological practices. An interactive guided tour enhances visitor experience by contextualising his life, art and philosophies.
Housed within the Centre is the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, Aotearoa’s only dedicated public gallery showcasing world class contemporary Māori Art with changing exhibitions.
Aqua Cafe-Restaurant, located upstairs with views over the picturesque international marina on the Hatea River, can cater for groups and offers brunch, lunch and dinner service most days as well as a daily selection of pastries. Spaces can also be hired for educational programmes and private events, offering an authentic and unique experience.
Founded in 1973, the company’s legacy, in-depth experience and commitment towards quality service and product development has earned it a solid and respected reputation.
Because General Travel New Zealand is privately owned and operated, its principals bring a truly personalised “hands-on” approach to the business.
Highly skilled, multi-lingual staff with an intimate knowledge of New Zealand are on hand from start to finish, providing guidance and care for the safety and well-being of travellers from all corners of the world.
- All Inclusive Package Tours
- Independent Travel Arrangements
- Group Tours
- Incentive Tours
- Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Management
