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