TECNZ Conference 2024 dates announced

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)’s next annual conference will be held on 6,7 and 8 August 2024 in Invercargill.

The conference is hosted in a New Zealand region each year and offers 300 delegates the chance to hear the latest industry insights from compelling speakers and networking opportunities.

Chief Executive of The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Lynda Keene said “We are delighted to be taking 300 delegates from around New Zealand to the Great South region for our Annual Conference 6-9 August 2024. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Great South team to promote the region to New Zealand’s major international buyers along with its amazing visitor landscapes, attractions, and tourism and hospitality offering.”

The conference delegate profile features business leaders, owners, managers and international sales and marketing staff who work hard offshore to promote New Zealand its visitor proposition.

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

Mark Frood, GM Tourism and Events Great South says, “Following the announcement that Invercargill will be hosting the 2024 TECNZ Conference, delegates were excited about going to the region next year, many said they hadn’t been to Invercargill in over 30 years. Our people in Murihiku Southland cannot wait to warmly welcome the delegates to our place.”

This will be the first time that the TECNZ’s annual conference has been held in Invercargill.

2023 TECNZ and YoungTEC Award winners announced

Three of New Zealand’s top tourism businesses, one industry leader and two promising YoungTEC individuals have been recognised as the best in the business comprising of categories: ITO Operator of the Year, Allied Operator of the Year, Small Business Operator of the Year, Good Sort of the Year, YoungTEC Emerging Leader and YoungTEC Rising Star.

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.

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 2023 winners” says TECNZ Chief Executive, Lynda Keene. “I am delighted to have our annual Operator of the Year Awards return and with such a high calibre of nominations.” This is the first time since 2019 that the awards have been presented.

The 2023 TECNZ and YoungTEC Awards were presented by Chief Executive Lynda Keene and Scott Mehrtens during the TECNZ Conference at Distinction Hotel, Rotorua.

The winners of the 2023 TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are:

• Inbound Operator of the Year Award – Southern World
• Allied Operator of the Year Award – Sudima Hotels
• Small Business Operator of the Year Award – Fiordland Jet
• Good Sort – Martin Langford, Ngāi Tahu Tourism

 The winners of the 2023 YoungTEC Awards are:

•  YoungTEC Rising Star – Georgia MacMillan, Tomohawk and Morgan Potter, Central Otago District Council (joint winners)
• YoungTEC Emerging Leader – Emma Canute, Wētā Workshop

ENDS

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.

For more information please contact:

Lynda Keene

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836

TECNZ 2023 Tourism Conference – “Rethinking the Future”

Wednesday 2 August 2023 – The vibrant, worldclass destination of Rotorua will be in the spotlight next week (8-10 August) as New Zealand’s tourism experts and key influencers (inbound tour operators that book international visitors) descend on the region for the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) annual tourism conference and TECNZ Tourism Trade Event (TTE).

The Tourism Trade Event begins on Tuesday with record numbers of 38 Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) in attendance. The trade event provides a platform for tourism businesses to update ITOs on changes to their visitor experiences and products. Over the 1.5 days, TECNZ ITO members will have up to 75 one-on-one business meetings with TECNZ Allied members (activity, transport, accommodation operators).

The sold-out TECNZ Conference then follows starting on Wednesday afternoon with an official welcome by local Iwi and Mayor Tania Tapsell.  Chief Executive Lynda Keene says, “This year’s theme ‘Rethinking the future’ indicates the international tourism sector has moved from survival mode to one that can now proactively focus on planning and look at trends that may influence future decisions throughout a business’s operation. As New Zealand moves into Year 2 of its international tourism recovery, it’s essential we explore areas of what is needed to ensure New Zealand’s global reputation and proposition remains competitive, innovative, and forward thinking.”

Over the two-day Conference, delegates will hear from Hon Peeni Henare the Minister of Tourism, René de Monchy CEO of Tourism New Zealand, Economist Cameron Bagrie, CEO David Downs of New Zealand Story, All Black legend Ian Jones, CEO of Genesis Energy Malcolm Johns and the keynote speaker, Mike King, New Zealand’s mental health advocate and TV personality.

On Day two delegates will partake in workshops covering Cyber Security, Health and Safety planning for the future and a visit to the new Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. It will also include a panel discussion providing insights to trends from major source markets and a YoungTEC panel discussing Artificial Intelligence and the youth Gen Z workforce.

Chief Executive of RotoruaNZ, Andrew Wilson says “Rotorua is thrilled to be hosting the 2023 Tourism Export Council in our city.  The annual TECNZ Conference is always a highlight on NZ’s tourism events calendar and is a brilliant conference allowing industry to come together, share ideas, learn new trends, and network. Rotorua welcomes the opportunity to showcase our amazing region and we’ve organised famils for conference delegates that show the wealth of unique experiences Rotorua has to offer.  We know delegates will be inspired by the conference, as well as what they see and experience here during their time here with us”.

ENDS

We go above and beyond to provide unforgettable helicopter tours around Milford, Queenstown, Middle Earth, Fiordland & Mt Aspiring National Parks.

Secret Spot is the brainchild of explorers and local brothers, Keith and Eric Kolver. On a recent adventure into the heart of the Te Urewera National Park, the brothers were canoeing through driving rain and dreamt of a place they could escape to with steaming hot tubs and mulled wine.

In 2019 they opened the doors to Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua, a place where family and friends can relax and share stories of their day’s adventures. Located just 2 minutes South of Rotorua beside the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest, Secret Spot invites guests to soak in their own cedar hot tub on the forest edge, overlooking the Puarenga Stream. These idyllic hot tubs are filled with fresh spring water and guests can enjoy tub-side bar service with craft drinks delivered directly to their hot tub at the push of a button.

After their soak, guests are able to explore Secret Spot further and can unwind with a complimentary Shinny Dip foot hot tub or snuggle up beside one of our outdoor campfires. Our BaseCamp luxe safari tent serves up tasty street food and is also available for those looking for a function venue or place to hold their family get-together.

With a unique design and excellent service, Secret Spot has swiftly become a must-do activity for anyone visiting Rotorua.

Established in 1998, Ezi Car Rental are one of New Zealand’s largest rental car operators with over 25 years’ experience in the New Zealand rental car industry.

Our aim is to be the very best car rental company in New Zealand. We hope to always deliver the very best cars, undeniable value and service that we are truly proud of. We have worked tirelessly to get the best offerings we can for this coming year, and we strive to have one of the newest and safest fleets available in Aotearoa.

Today, Ezi Car Rental operates with a large and diverse fleet in over 24 New Zealand locations.

Patterson Hospitality is a family business made up of independent hotels and services. Our family’s history in hospitality goes back three generations; starting in 1939 with hotel landlady, Grandma Nonie Ward on our mother’s side. On our father’s side, among other businesses the family owned and operated a city lunch bar that gained quite a reputation for its food.

But it was in 1971 the two sides of the family partnered to build the Commodore Hotel…still going strong today! The Commodore Hotel is a leading corporate hotel just 3 minutes from Christchurch airport with 5 star rooms and conference facilities.

In 2016, we added Queenstown Park Hotel to our portfolio – a boutique haven that surrounds guests with the best of the region. Most recently joining our group, Hotel Montreal is a luxury home away from home located in the centre of Christchurch city. To round out our guests’ needs, Touchdown Car Rentals offers luxury car rentals in Christchurch and Queenstown with pick-up and drop-off, road assistance, and free airport transfers.

We also have great restaurants within our hotels. Patterson’s Restaurant and Bar, located at the Commodore Hotel, serves us generations of goodness with casual dining for guests and locals from breakfast through dinner, 7 days a week. And The Montreal, part of Hotel Montreal, is a city-central best-kept-secret where guests and locals alike can enjoy al fresco drinks and dining in a secluded spot with garden surrounds.

Established since 2008, Jireh Hospitality is a NZ owned company specializing in accommodation management & consultancy services.

In the Gibbston Valley, surrounded by mountains, bluffs, wineries and breweries, you will find the Thrill Seekers’ paradise that is Oxbow Adventure Co.

Founded on a strong belief of fun, adventure, and camaraderie, our one-of-a-kind adventures give Adrenaline Junkies from all walks of life an incredibly unique and unforgettable experience.

Originating back in 2012, operations first started on the banks of the Clutha River, overlooking a particular section of the Clutha where an ‘Oxbow’ had formed. After a few years of hosting corporate groups, the owners wanted to share their epic playground with everyone and bought this dream to life at a new location in Gibbston Valley.

Under the cliffs of the Nevis Bluff, Oxbow Adventure Co. as we know it today is now proudly in operation. Originally scheduled to open in April 2020, the global pandemic paused the completion of essential ground works and highway expansion. Our First Thrill Seekers (customers) were finally welcomed in October 2020.

Located just 15 minutes from Queenstown airport, the new site has a purpose-built Jet Sprint Boat racetrack, an Off-Roader course, and a Clay Target Shooting range. With one of our core values ‘one step ahead’ at the forefront of everything we do, our unique experiences are world-firsts.

Starting with our Jet Sprint boats, these are the only 4 seaters across the globe. Based on racing jet sprint boats, these machines have been adapted to carry 3 passengers. With hairpin turns and up to 4 Gs of G-Force, experience the ride of a lifetime whilst you rip around our custom-built racetrack at 100kph!

Next up is our Ultimate Off-Roader! Designed by New Zealand 4×4 Trial champion Dan Cowper, these vehicles took two years to build and refine. Using the natural features of the rocky Nevis Bluff to create our all-terrain course, you will not believe where these trucks can go. With four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer and 14 inches of travel in the shocks, this really is ULTIMATE Off-Roading.

To finish off a perfect trio of adventure experiences, the Oxbow Gun Club was built for Clay Target Shooting. Owners Darb, Tim and Lloyd were keen to make an inclusive activity which could cater for beginners through to the experienced. Set up to run six shooters at a time and with eight different flurry styles, you can enjoy some healthy competition against mates, family members or even work colleagues.

Epic.

Every Day.

Best Mates.

Safe As.

One Step Ahead.

Redwoods Treewalk
Now synonymous with Rotorua, the Treewalk is not to be missed. The award-winning eco-tourism walk is 700-metres long, featuring 28 suspension bridges and viewing platforms. Making its way through the canopy, Treewalk is the best way to forest bathe, and take in the 120-year-old Redwood grove where some of nature’s magic happens.

Redwoods Nightlights
Under the cover of darkness magic happens. New Zealand’s most popular evening tour just got better, with the addition of the new Trubridge walk-in lantern. The award-winning lanterns turn Rotorua’s beloved Redwoods into New Zealand’s real-life enchanted forest.