2026 Tourism Export Awards New Zealand

Each year, the Tourism Export Awards celebrate the outstanding businesses and people that showcase the very best of New Zealand export tourism to the world. These awards recognise innovation, quality experiences, leadership, excellence and safety practices across our industry, and we know there are incredible stories within our membership that deserve to be recognised.

Please download a copy of the Award Guidelines here.

Nominations have now closed.

Award Categories

  • Large Inbound Tour Operator of the Year (>$10m turnover)
  • Small / Medium Inbound Tour Operator of the Year (<$10m turnover)
  • Large Allied Operator of the Year (>$10m turnover)
  • Small / Medium Allied Operator of the Year (<$10m turnover)
  • New Member of the Year
  • Good Sort of the Year
  • Unsung Hero of the Year

Key Dates

    13 May 2026   Nominations open to members
27 May 2026   Nominations close 5pm
03 June 2026   Award entry closing day for nominees to submit entry for judging
04 June 2026   Judging of Awards commences
17 June 2026   Judging of Awards close
22 June 2026   Finalists announced & member voting commences
13 July 2026   Online member voting closes 5pm
06 August 2026   Winners announced at the Tourism Export Awards Dinner

Award winners are revealed at the black tie Awards Dinner at Christchurch’s brand-new One Stadium on Thursday 6 August, as part of the TECNZ Conference programme.

2025 Award Winners – Congratulations

To read the more about our 2025 winners, click here.

For information on the YoungTEC Awards and Winners, please click here.