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The tourism industry came together on Wednesday night to honour exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment at the annual Tourism Export Council New Zealand and YoungTEC Awards, held during the 2025 TECNZ Conference in the Bay of Islands.
These prestigious awards recognise the individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact on New Zealand’s tourism export sector over the past year. With a strong pool of finalists across multiple categories, this year’s winners exemplify excellence, passion, and the future-forward spirit of our industry.
“We are incredibly proud to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of our award winners and finalists,” says TECNZ chief executive Lynda Keene.
“Their dedication and innovation are a testament to the strength and resilience of our industry. These awards reflect the talent and leadership we need as we navigate the future of tourism in Aotearoa”.
The winners of the 2025 TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are:
• Medium Inbound Operator of the Year Award – Master Travel Group
• Large Inbound Operator of the Year Award – Leisure Time Group
• Small Allied Operator of the Year Award – Beachcomber Cruises
• Medium Allied Operator of the Year – On The Point – Lake Rotorua
• Large Allied Operator of the Year Award – RealNZ
• Good Sort of the Year – Adam Taylor-Eruera, Te Puia
• Unsung Hero of the Year – Kathy Young, RealNZ
The winners of the 2025 YoungTEC Awards are:
• YoungTEC Rising Star – Cam Mitchell, RealNZ Cardrona x Trebble Cone
• YoungTEC Leadership Development – Ryan Wilmshurst, Maverick Tourism Marketing
In addition to the main award categories, four individuals were honoured with Service Awards for their outstanding contribution and long-term service to the TECNZ Board. These awards celebrate the dedication and voluntary leadership of those who have helped shape the direction and impact of the organisation over many years.
The 2025 recipients are:
• Geoff Yee, 16 Year Service Award
• Stuart Neels, 13 Year Service Award
• Jenny Simpson, 11 Year Service Award
• John Gregory, 10 Year Service Award
Other Service Award recipients who were unable to attend the conference will receive their award at the TECNZ Xmas Symposium on December 3, 2025.
The TECNZ and YoungTEC Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence in the New Zealand tourism industry, inspiring future leaders and highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping a sustainable and thriving tourism landscape.
