The Board of DunedinHOST is pleased to announce that Deborah Price, Larnach Castle’s sales and marketing manager has been announced the recipient of this year’s Michelle McCormack award and Richard Trainor of Good Company Tours is the recipient of Martin McDowall Small Business Innovation Award for 2019.
These awards were presented at the 2019 DunedinHOST AGM at Camp Estate last Wednesday.
Deborah’s award centralises around personality as a key factor in the success of a business. It recognises positive attitude, a willingness to make every effort to meet the needs of visitors, and a natural enthusiasm for Dunedin to ensure that visitors leave our city with a smile on their face and an intention to return.
It was noted that Deborah, a dedicated employee of Larnach Castle for almost 30 years, has a vivacious positive personality and has hosted thousands of industry famils, tourism agents, clients and potential visitors.
The DunedinHOST Board recognised that while representing Larnach Castle, Deborah was also a staunch ambassador to Dunedin city and the tourism industry. She is consistently actively involved in promoting the city at any opportunity, both nationally and internationally.
On accepting the award, Deborah expressed feeling fortunate to work in an exciting, interesting and varied business with amazing people. While noting she felt proud being associated with an industry helping the economy and bringing income into the city, she also referenced her pride in being part of the team helping to restore the Castle’s heritage buildings.
The Martin McDowall Small Business Innovation Award centralises around innovation as core to the business philosophy.
As the owner/operators of this Dunedin based tour company, Richard and Adele Trainor provide visitors an opportunity to view ‘the newest, the steepest, the first’. Their personalised tours explore the city’s best highlights, combining amazing scenic viewing spots, heritage buildings, combined with local insider knowledge.
While recognizing Good Company Tours’ business growth and potential market share, the DunedinHOST Board also highlighted the importance of transport operators and their significant contribution to the tourism industry.
On accepting the award, Richard Trainor, an industry stalwart since 1980, noted feeling honoured and humbled to receive the award. He reflected on learning his trade in the tourism industry with Newtons Coach Lines, then Sunshine Travel Club which dealt with local industry, before moving on to become Operations Manager at City Bus. For the past ten years the Trainor’s have operated Good Company Tours, growing the business to nine busses and focusing on cruise ship passengers in the summer and the local market in the winter months.
