Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Award Finalists

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand is delighted to announce the Finalists for the 2025 TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards and YoungTEC Awards.

Nominated by TECNZ members, these awards recognise businesses and individuals who have shown excellence in terms of quality, professional development, health and safety, sustainability, business systems and outstanding visitor experiences by peers within the industry.

Winners will be announced at the TECNZ Awards Dinner, Wednesday 6 August in the Bay of Islands as part of the TECNZ Conference. We wish all Finalists all the very best.

Finalists Inbound Operator of the Year: Large

• ID Tours New Zealand
• Leisure Time Group
• The Travel Corporation (AAT Kings & Contiki)

Finalists Inbound Operator of the Year: Medium

• Ahipara Travel
• Master Travel Group

Finalists Allied Operator of the Year: Large

• Distinction Hotels
• RealNZ
• Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Finalists Allied Operator of the Year: Medium

• Alpine Luxury Tours
• On The Point – Rotorua

Finalists Allied Operator of the Year: Small

• Beachcomber Cruises

Finalists Good Sort of the Year

• Adam Taylor-Eruera, Te Puia
• Julia Savill, Grand Pacific Tours
• Louise Frend, Unique Stays and Experiences

Each year two YoungTEC members are recognised with awards, one for YoungTEC Rising Star and the other for the YoungTEC International Development Leadership Development. We’re pleased to announce the finalists for these two awards.

Leadership Development Award

• Ryan Wilmshurst, Maverick Digital
• Santos McKenzie, Hobbiton Movie Set
• Cameron Soulsby, RealNZ

Rising Star Award

• Brook Hibbert, RealNZ
• Cam Mitchell, RealNZ Cardrona x Treble Cone
• Dan McKenna, Wētā Workshop

For more information please contact: Lynda Keene, CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ, 027 6644 836