Fourteen of New Zealand’s esteemed tourism companies and individuals have been recognised with the announcement of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s Achievement Award Finalists.
TECNZ received a total of 31 entries across five categories.
The awards program has stepped aside from the traditional TECNZ Operator of the Year awards in 2022 to highlight positive changes and contribution a business or person has made since March 2020. There were no awards programs in 2020 and 2021.
The five categories recognise excellence in community and charity groups, environment and sustainability initiatives, innovative product and experience development and two individual awards: Good sort/Unsung Hero and YoungTEC Emerging Leader.
“We’re delighted that there has been such strong interest by members to submit an entry as businesses reflect on the past two years and start their recovery journeys,” says Tourism Export Council of NZ chief executive Lynda Keene.
“It’s a positive sign showing resilience is part of tourism businesses’ DNA and demonstrates many businesses continue to look at constant improvement of their services, products and experiences even during a global pandemic.
“We applaud all businesses, nominations and finalists who have been proactive in making a difference during the pandemic period. The TECNZ Achievement Awards gives us a chance to recognise businesses in different regions, listen to their stories and celebrate with them.”
The Awards Finalists are TECNZ members that are judged and selected by the TECNZ Board. TECNZ industry peers will begin submitting their votes to decide upon the TECNZ Award winners. The winners will be announced at the 2022 TECNZ Conference, Nelson on August 10.
Conference registrations are available here.
The 2022 TECNZ Achievement Awards finalists are:
Good Sort / Unsung Hero
· Ben Thornton – Bush and Beach
· Cecil Potatau – NgƒÅi Tahu Tourism
· Lou Baddiley – RotoruaNZ
Community Charity Volunteer
· EcoZip Adventures
· Kohutaphu Lodge & Tribal Tours
· Wheelie Fantastic Tours
New Sustainability Initiative
· Ahipara Luxury Travel
· Ziptrek Ecotours
Innovation of Visitor Product or Experience
· Altitude Tours
· Fiordland Trips and Tramps
· TƒÅkaroa Trails
YoungTEC Emerging Leader
· Eleri Williams, Haka Tourism Group
· Grace Mitchell, Active Adventures
· Zac Watson, Maverick Digital
