TECNZ Conference 2025 dates announced

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)’s next annual conference will be held on 6th & 7th August 2025 in the Bay of Islands at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort near Waitangi and Paihia.

The conference is hosted in a New Zealand region each year and offers 300 international tourism delegates the opportunity to hear the latest industry insights from compelling speakers and network.

Chief Executive of The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Lynda Keene said “We are delighted to be hosting 250 delegates from around New Zealand to the Bay of Islands for the 2025 Annual Conference. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team from Northland Inc to promote the region to New Zealand’s largest and most prominent tourism business who sell the destinations spectacular landscapes, visitor experiences and hospitality to international visitors.”

The conference delegate profile features industry sector business owners, managers and international sales and marketing representatives who work in our key visitor markets offshore to promote destination New Zealand and its visitor proposition in a highly competitive global environment.

Delegates make up Inbound Tour Operators (who bring in 60% of international visitors to NZ), accommodation providers, activity and attraction operators, transport operators and businesses that provide tourism services to the visitor economy and regional tourism organisations.

Tania Burt, Head of Tourism and Communications Northland Inc says, “Te Tai Tokerau Northland looks forward to warmly welcoming delegates to the 2025 TECNZ Conference in the Bay of Islands. Northland is home to iconic destinations and undiscovered gems and has much to share with visitors to our region. We have world-class operators who are putting Northland in the international spotlight, so it is timely we can host our fellow TECNZ members and industry peers to share more of our region.”

 

ENDS

Winners Announced for the 2024 TECNZ Tourism Operator of the Year Awards and YoungTEC Awards

Four of New Zealand’s top tourism businesses, one industry leader and two promising YoungTEC individuals have been recognised as the best in the business at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) Awards dinner at their annual conference.

The prestigious and much sought after TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are nominated and voted by members. They recognise excellence in terms of quality, professional development for team, health and safety, sustainability, business systems and outstanding visitor experiences.

New this year is the separation of small and large businesses in each category.

The YoungTEC Awards recognise outstanding efforts and contribution to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry. They are based on an application and interview process supported by Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand of which we are grateful for their support and involvement.

“Congratulations to our 2024 winners” says TECNZ Chief Executive, Lynda Keene. “The calibre of nominations this year was outstanding with some very close scoring.”

The 2024 TECNZ and YoungTEC Awards were presented by Chief Executive Lynda Keene and Scott Mehrtens during the TECNZ Conference at Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill.

 The winners of the 2024 TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are:

  • Small Inbound Operator of the Year Award – New Zealand Educational Tours
  • Large Inbound Operator of the Year Award – Southern Crossings
  • Small Allied Operator of the Year Award – Gannet Safaris Overland
  • Large Allied Operator of the Year Award – RealNZ
  • Good Sort – Cecil Potatau

 The winners of the 2024 YoungTEC Awards are:

  •  YoungTEC Emerging Leader – Charlotte Brady
  • YoungTEC Rising Star – William Cannon

International Tourism Industry Comes to the Great South

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) with 300 plus delegates is delighted to bring their annual conference in Invercargill this week for the very first time in its 52-year history to discuss all things relating to international tourism and its future.

Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Lynda Keene said, “It’s great to be here and our thanks the Great South team for a great pitch to bring the conference to the region.

The tourism industry’s recovery has gone well over the past two years achieving 82% of pre-Covid international visitor arrivals. There is still more work to do to attract more holiday arrivals but we’re heading in the right direction. The international tourisms sector is close to regaining its spot as the countries’ largest export earner (forecast to be year-end March 2026) and the conference provides a timely opportunity to discuss the important issues facing the industry and look ahead to the future.”

Chief Executive of Great South, Chami Abeysinghe said the region is delighted to be hosting the TECNZ conference in Invercargill. We’ve heard many delegates haven’t been to Invercargill for 30 years, so this has been a great opportunity to showcase the Great South visitor offering to key influences and decision makers that can drive international visitation for us. We’re keen to share the great Southern hospitality we know we have with delegates to help create a successful and memorable conference for everyone. Haere mai, a very warm welcome to Waihōpai Invercargill and Murihiku, Southland region.

The TECNZ Tourism Trade Event will again feature at this year’s event. The purpose of the trade event is to provide a platform for tourism businesses to inform Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) on updates and developments to their visitor experiences and products for international travellers to be sold offshore.

Opening the conference hosted by MC Mike McRoberts will be Hon Matt Doocey Minister of Tourism and keynotes from Brad Olsen: Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics. Chris Bull, Engineer from SpaceOps NZ is the conference local speaker and Dave Wild, ‘Navigating the New Frontier’ both presenting a futuristic view of tourism.

On day two delegates will also hear the latest in international tourism trends from Tourism New Zealand and inbound tourism leaders working in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, China and Asia markets with the latest strategy and insights from Tourism New Zealand.  Other speakers include Duncan Roy from Interislander, Mike Nolan from the Disabled Persons Assembly and a YoungTEC panel sharing insights on attracting a younger workforce.

 

ENDS

Media contact:

Lynda Keene, phone: 027 66 44 836

We have been flying aircraft in the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970. The same  pioneering family, still own and operate the company. Over the last 50 years we have grown from a single aircraft operation to a fleet of 8 aircraft. We are one of New Zealand’s largest scenic flight airlines.

Safety is our number one priority and our company has been awarded “The Director of Civil Aviation’s Award for Safety” and has gained considerable recognition over the years for contributions to air safety in the region.

We operate a large and varied fleet of modern aircraft, which are designed especially for flight-seeing. The company operates from its own airports located at both Lake Tekapo and Franz Josef Glacier. In addition, bases at Glentanner Park (near Mount Cook) and Twizel ensure flexible flight options for larger tour groups and charter flights.

Our pilots are extremely experienced in this alpine environment and provide a full in flight commentary on the countryside they know.

We are proud to be Qualmark endorsed and also have Qualmark Enviro GOLD accreditation.

We look forward to flying you.

Our family has been living & farming in the Mackenzie high country since 1928 and have owned and managed land since 1935. We farm a combined total of 50,000 acres of land split across Two Merino sheep stations, Mt Hay & Balmoral Stations.

We have now opened access to our land for a variety of tourism operations, from a family friendly petting zoo & farm tours to bespoke fishing & hunting tours.

Our aim is to provide visitors to Lake Tekapo the option to experience the High-Country adventure of their choice.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our home.

Kaewa Tours is a family-owned company (Tom Collier and Jill Burns) established late 2020.

We are solely dedicated to private tours of up to 11 people therefore your customers tour will be precisely their own tour. However, larger groups can be catered for upon enquiry.

We operate boutique and unique tours of Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast from solo travellers up to 11 guests capturing the best sights, smells and tastes of Wellington, Wairarapa and the Kāpiti Coast has to offer focusing on the finer things in life – Wine, Food and Craft Beer!

We also operate Scenic and Lord of the Rings Scene location tours as well as multi day tours staying in our own home on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast.

Regional Tourism Organisation working to promote the Mackenzie Region. The region is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, longest glacier, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and largest dark sky reserve.

The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery is a multi-faceted immersive experience celebrating the art and architecture of Austrian painter, ecologist, architect, visionary, Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Visitors can experience architecture in harmony with nature including an Afforested Roof, be inspired by the largest collection of Hundertwasser artworks outside of Vienna as well as living examples of Hundertwasser’s ecological practices. An interactive guided tour enhances visitor experience by contextualising his life, art and philosophies.

Housed within the Centre is the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, Aotearoa’s only dedicated public gallery showcasing world class contemporary Māori Art with changing exhibitions.

Aqua Cafe-Restaurant, located upstairs with views over the picturesque international marina on the Hatea River, can cater for groups and offers brunch, lunch and dinner service most days as well as a daily selection of pastries. Spaces can also be hired for educational programmes and private events, offering an authentic and unique experience.

Founded in 1973, the company’s legacy, in-depth experience and commitment towards quality service and product development has earned it a solid and respected reputation.

Because General Travel New Zealand is privately owned and operated, its principals bring a truly personalised “hands-on” approach to the business.

Highly skilled, multi-lingual staff with an intimate knowledge of New Zealand are on hand from start to finish, providing guidance and care for the safety and well-being of travellers from all corners of the world.

  • All Inclusive Package Tours
  • Independent Travel Arrangements
  • Group Tours
  • Incentive Tours
  • Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Management

ANZCRO Celebrates 30-Year Birthday with Special Edition of Iconic New Zealand Book

This year, ANZCRO is excited to celebrate its 30-year birthday alongside the anniversary of its iconic New Zealand Book with a special edition. Top of FormPacked with new features and updated content, this version is the most comprehensive NZ Book yet.

“When we started three decades ago, we were the only wholesaler in Australia selling a full range of New Zealand FIT products—everything from accommodation to car hire to rail journeys, guided walks, and sightseeing,” explains Nick Guthrey, ANZCRO CEO and Managing Director. “The NZ Book became our most important vehicle for showcasing the breadth of our product to Travel Agents.”

“What began as a simple 15-page A5 booklet has now evolved into a full 124-page A4 brochure, split into regions, with a generously sized pullout map at the back. We highlight about 400 of our most popular products and suppliers, which these days doesn’t scratch the surface of the 40,000 plus NZ products we sell. The New Zealand Book—or Bible as it is often referred to in the trade—really is the best planning tool for clients interested in booking a domestic holiday.”

The 30-year edition of the NZ Book features a Maori Pounamu Carving on the cover. The stone’s most crucial characteristic is that it represents the genuineness of relationships with friends and family. “We intentionally chose this image because we wanted to celebrate our friendship and gratitude for our valued Travel Agents, suppliers and colleagues that have supported us over the past 30 years,” says Guthrey.

New for 2024 is a dedicated section for self-guided rail tours, including four of ANZCRO’s most popular rail packages. “Rail holidays in New Zealand have been booming for the past two years, particularly self-guided tours,” states Louise Bilbie, ANZCRO’s Head of Product.

For travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand without the stress of driving, train travel is the ideal choice. “With the introduction of the Scenic Plus carriage on the three Great Rail Journeys of New Zealand, passengers now have the option of a more luxurious experience. Relaxing in a spacious seat, they can enjoy a hot meal made from fresh, local ingredients while taking in the rolling scenery outside. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of luxury to a standard rail holiday.”

ANZCRO’s popular 12-Day Grand Rail Explorer starts from $2,765pp.

The 30 Year edition of ANZCRO’s New Zealand Book is available to order from BrochureNet or view online here.
30 Year Anniversary video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MXGr_xP4t0&t=23s