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The Board of the Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (YoungTEC) is delighted to announce that Zac Watson, Auckland Unlimited has been re-appointed in the role of Chair and Kenny Wynter, ZipTrek Ecotours has been appointed as Vice Chair.
Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of Tourism Export Council of NZ says, “The Tourism Export Council NZ Board is thrilled that Zac Watson has been reappointed to his role as Chair of YoungTEC. The Board and I have worked with Zac over the past twelve months during the most challenging time in the history of the tourism industry. He has provided valuable input to our board decisions while leading and supporting YoungTEC members during these tumultuous times. He is a great advocate for professional development within our industry, and when things begin to move in a more positive direction, the continuity that Zac will provide for YoungTEC will be invaluable. We’re also delighted to welcome Kenny Wynter to role of Vice-Chair. Kenny’s experience and enthusiasm will support Zac in leading YoungTEC through 2021 and help continue to grow the legacy and business capability for future leaders of the industry.
Zac hales from the North West of Auckland and is the only Auckland based board member for 2021. After completing a Bachelor of Tourism Management from Lincoln University in Canterbury, Zac went into his first tourism-based role with Merlin Entertainments at Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium as the Sales Representative. This was followed by a move to the Haka Tourism Group with Haka Educational Tours as an Account Manager and then onto Auckland Unlimited (formerly ATEED) into his current role as the Tourism Product Development Manager.
Mr Watson says “I am thoroughly looking forward to continuing my tenue with this incredible organisation and adding to the incredible work of previous YoungTEC Board members. There has never been a time more vital than now to provide a platform and a voice for young people in one of New Zealand’s largest and most vital industries. I am hugely passionate about what YoungTEC offers and fully intend to ensure we invest in the next generation of tourism professionals through connection and professional development”.
Kenny began his tourism journey by studying a degree in International Tourism Management, with his dissertation exploring social license. After graduating he was naturally drawn to work for Ziptrek Ecotours, which gave him an introduction into the world of eco-tourism. After a year’s employment, he gained some international experience – including working for luxury hotel resort in the Whitsundays, an RTO in Canada and a UK based ski tour operator. Kenny returned to Ziptrek in 2017 and has been working to reinforce their stance as pioneers in eco-exhilaration ever since, with COVID-19 providing the opportunity for him to think differently and remain innovative.
Mr Wynter says “I’m honoured to be able to work with Zac and the whole YoungTEC Board to ensure we can continue to retain, inspire and develop our tourism Whānau for the inevitable re-emergence of one of Aotearoa’s most vital industries. YoungTEC provides some invaluable educational and networking opportunities for young professionals, which now – more than ever – will be pivotable to ensure we have top talent ready to navigate through this difficult time our industry is facing”.
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About YoungTEC
YoungTEC is an organisation of young tourism professionals under the age of 36 years who are members of Tourism Export Council companies. A YoungTEC membership offers regular networking events with other young professionals in the tourism industry, educational workshops and a professional development programme complete with a mentor which gives you the most up-to-date tourism information and tips to take into your own workplace.
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 on YoungTEC and to find out how to become a member visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/youngtourismexportcouncil.
For more information please contact:
Louisa Turner – Tourism Export Council of NZ
027 480 7252
office@tourismexportcouncil.org,nz
Experience the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, day spa or plan your dream New Zealand holiday with these great things to do in Hanmer Springs. 22 outdoor thermal Pools, 6 private pools, Sauna & Steam suites. We also have a family friendly area that includes, Conical Thrill – NZ largest Aquatic thrill ride, Superbowl, 2 hydro slides, heated lap pool and lazy river, Children pool & Aquaplay for under 5s.
Queenstown tourism operator takes eco-education to new heights
Ziptrek Ecotours aims to educate and inspire New Zealand’s leaders of tomorrow towards long-term environmental and sustainable practices with a pioneering new eco-education outdoor learning programme in Queenstown.
The company is using its architecturally designed treehouses and ziplines high on Bob’s Peak as an ‘outdoor classroom’ to showcase sustainable tourism at work and how businesses can future-proof for environmental, social and financial success.
The interactive eco-education programme is primarily aimed at tertiary students, career advisors and educators and is a practical ‘take’ on the STEM curriculum of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Tours are custom-designed to align with each group’s academic requirements.
Science is covered off with discussions on Ziptrek’s biodiversity, introduced species and Predator Free 2050 support as well as its work in becoming a Carbon Zero business. Technology talks to the systems and design used to streamline Ziptrek’s business, such as remote area solar energy powering cameras and gates, while the structural design benefits and challenges of the treehouses and ziplines is a must for engineers. Maths is applied to the metrics measuring Ziptrek’s business and the physics and cable design in ziplines.
The two-hour experience starts from $49 per person and includes a tailored talk by one of the team, a site exploration, and a zip down the world’s steepest tree to tree zipline – dropping 30 storeys in 10 seconds at speeds of up to 70kmph. There are also options to upgrade to either the four-line Moa Tour or premium six-line Kea tour.
The outdoor learning initiative aligns with Ziptrek’s deep commitment to education, sustainability and conservation. It forms part of its ongoing work under New Zealand’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment and the Future-Fit framework, a global and open-sourced sustainability framework relating to UN development goals.
Other initiatives within its education programme include a Paper4Trees recycling project with pre-schools and schools, and Queenstown Resort College internships.
Ziptrek executive director Trent Yeo believes that while COVID-19 has created opportunity for a tourism reset and renewed focus on sustainability, more education is needed to achieve New Zealand’s vision to lead the world in sustainable tourism.
“We hope our new eco-education tour will help inform, inspire and empower New Zealand’s leaders of tomorrow to think more deeply about doing business in a way that creates long-term value for our people, our economy and our environment,” he says.
“Our tour turns theory into practice through ‘outside the classroom’ learning and helps participants experience first-hand some of the exciting and innovative career pathways within the tourism industry.
“We also demonstrate how our business decisions, centred around making the right call for the environment and our community, have translated into a world-class adventure experience and sustainable tourism business.”
Early uptake on the programme has proven successful with several tertiary institutions, including ARA Institute of Canterbury and the Auckland-based Crown Institute of Studies, which provides training in travel and tourism hospitality, health and wellbeing, business and computing, giving it rave reviews.
“I’ve heard from all the career advisors and teachers who experienced your programme that your company is inspirational and futuristic,” says Dr Josephine Do, Managing Director of Crown Institute of Studies.
Career/education advisors from Southland Careers and Transition Education (CATE) also visited recently to better understand employment possibilities for young people from their region, careers in the tourism sector and how places like Queenstown are adapting in response to a COVID world.
The programme’s been welcomed by regional tourism body Destination Queenstown which also presents to visiting groups.
“Ziptrek is one of many Queenstown operators which has thought outside the square to develop new and exciting programmes and product in the aftermath of Covid,” says DQ acting General Manager Ann Lockhart.
“We’re fully supportive of their education initiative, especially as this helps us demonstrate that there IS a future in tourism for our young people, with exciting and innovative career pathways in the industry. We have some of the best tourism operators in the country running businesses here.”
For more information about tour options visit www.ziptrek.co.nz/groups/
For further media information and imagery, please contact:
Nicky Busst
M: 027 721 9017
OR
Fiona Woodham
Southern PR
M: 0274 313 270
Active Adventures appoints new talent despite Covid
Queenstown based tourism company Active Adventures has appointed Sam Morrah as Head of International Sales and Distribution, a newly expanded role as the company pursues international growth despite the challenges of Covid.
CEO Wendy van Lieshout and the Active Adventures board are delighted with the appointment.
“Sam’s depth of experience in a variety of sales channels across multiple international markets will be hugely beneficial as we drive towards a strong recovery in both our existing and also new source markets” says Ms van Lieshout.
A former Journalist and graduate of Canterbury and Otago Universities, Morrah was recently Country Manager New Zealand for STA Travel and has held Director of Sales and Marketing roles in Asia for both Club Med and the Travel Corporation.
“We’re super excited about Sam’s cultural fit too. He’s slotted right in already, embracing our DNA and rolling up his sleeves” adds Ms van Lieshout.
Sam’s first impressions of Active Adventures have been very positive, and he’s excited to be involved in a business focussed on growth despite the challenges of Covid.
“Before long, tourism will recover both in New Zealand and globally, and I’m thrilled to be part of a business that will be leading that comeback for eager travellers around the world.”
/Ends
Media Contact: Wendy van Lieshout, phone 021 2435 412
About Active Adventures: Based in Queenstown, Active Adventures was established in 1996 and continues to create and deliver unique active adventures in stunning places both in NZ and around the world with the highest levels of care and personalised service. Winners of the 2018 Westpac Queenstown Business Awards and finalists in the New Zealand International Business Awards in 2019, Active Adventures is New Zealand’s largest and most globally diverse adventure travel company.
www.activeadventures.com
New Heli Biking experience lifts off from Greymouth for Coastwide Helicopters
Coastwide Helicopters, a division of GCH Aviation has launched a new Heli biking experience. The company has purchased a set of helicopter bike racks from Canada which can carry up to Six mountain bikes to the top of the new Paparoa Track. These bike racks are designed to help protect valuable bikes while being transported. They also allow clients and their bikes to be transported directly to the Paparoa track from Greymouth.
The Paparoa track on the West Coast of the South Island is New Zealand’s newest Great Walk to be formed as a shared walking and Mountain bike track. The 56.2 km track is maintained to an advanced Grade 4 mountain biking standard.
GCH Aviation Coastwide Helicopters have a variety of landing sites along the Paparoa Ranges, allowing for easy access to the track. Offering this service will cut out 10-15km and 800-1000m of vertical climb, so it will be achievable to complete the rest of the Paparoa track in 1 day for the fit and experienced mountain biker.
Group Marketing manager for the GCH Aviation Group says it’s a winner for the West Coast. Mountain Bikers can arrive in Greymouth in the morning, get landed close to the track and begin the days adventure and be back in Greymouth for a beer later that day. Having this product on offer will encourage people to stay in Greymouth pre and post their ride.
We expect it will be popular with experienced mountain bikers and the recreational mountain biker alike. I don’t think it will just be mountain bikers who want a lift to the top. No one really loves a steep climb!
Established in 1983, GCH Aviation is the only company to hold the prestigious Helicopter Association of New Zealand Diamond Safety Award for 30+ years continuous service without injury accident to self, passengers or crew.
GCH Aviation is headquartered in Christchurch at a purpose-built aviation base at Christchurch Airport. With other helicopter bases in Nelson, Kaikoura, Wellington, Vanuatu and Fiji, the company owns more than 30 aircraft and employs over 120 staff across its helicopter and fixed wing aircraft services which as well as tourism flights, also includes certified flight training, air rescue and air ambulance operations. GCH Aviation is the only New Zealand aviation company to be an accredited Virtuoso Travel supplier. ENDS
Further information please contact henry.deans@gchaviation.com 021 068 2767
Kaitiaki Adventures is a globally recognised Adventure Tourism Company utilising the unique and diverse landscapes surrounding Rotorua.
Specialising in culturally integral white-water rafting, sledging experiences on the Okere section of the historic Kaituna river.
Leading culturally steeped guided hiking expeditions of Mount Tarawera, We have shared and enabled sustainable employment for New Zealanders over 20 years.
We’re passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism products in Rotorua. Infused with a unique blend of Maori culture, we’re inspired by the stunning environment we live in and the culture we live and breathe.
Kaikoura Helicopters awarded Qualmark Gold
GCH Aviation are pleased to advise that Kaikoura Helicopters have been awarded the Qualmark GOLD award for Sustainable Tourism Business!
“A Gold Award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything they do. A Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination”
The award also recognises our operation as an environmentally friendly and holistically sustainable experience, where safe principles and practices are part of every flight, and where you will always find a genuine welcome and true New Zealand hospitality.
We strive to protect the local communities in which we operate, whilst delivering a world class and safe experience for all our visitors!
Caroline Blanchfield, Group Marketing Manager for GCH Aviation said Qualmark is a recognised symbol of excellence for NZ Tourism businesses and we aim to take our all bases through the Qualmark process. Three of our GCH Aviation bases are now Qualmark Gold and we feel a huge sense of achievement as a company in attaining these awards.
Established in 1983, GCH Aviation is the only company to hold the prestigious Helicopter Association of New Zealand Diamond Safety Award for 30+ years continuous service without injury accident to self, passengers or crew.
GCH Aviation is headquartered in Christchurch at a purpose-built aviation base at Christchurch Airport. With other bases in Nelson, Greymouth, Wellington, Vanuatu and Fiji, the company owns more than 30 aircraft and employs over 120 staff across its helicopter and fixed wing aircraft services which as well as tourism flights, also includes certified flight training, air rescue and air ambulance operations. GCH Aviation is the only New Zealand company to be an accredited Virtuoso Travel supplier.
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The Whakarewarewa Village team would like to thank all our tourism partners, suppliers, staff and the Government for their support through these challenging times for all industry members.
Following a nine-month hibernation, we are thrilled to announce that Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village is reopening on the 10th Dec 2020. We are also excited to announce the introduction of our new product, the Whaka Geothermal Trails which will offer public access to some of Rotorua’s untouched geothermal areas in a Jurassic park-like landscape!
Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village is the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have been sharing their unique way of life and their stories with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years. To continue this guiding legacy, Visitors will be able to book a Guided Tour through the Village to once again enjoy the warmth of our manaakitanga from our Village people, experience the amazement of nature’s boiling mud and hot-spring pools.
The Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village will be open 7 days a week, 10 am to 4 pm. We will be asking all visitors to follow any Ministry of Health recommended guidelines to keep our visitors and Village people safe. Entry will be at 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.
Whaka Geothermal Trails (New Product) provides exclusive access to untouched geothermal landscapes where Visitors can experience the raw nature of Papatuanuku (mother-earth). These Jurassic park-like trails are described as providing regenerative powers as You find yourself face-to-face with mother-earth (Papatuanuku), it’s Hot Springs, Mud Pools and Geysers. A snap photo location for your Instagram profile! The Whaka Geothermal Trails will be an ongoing reserve development as we open new areas to be discovered. The trails are self-guided.
The Whaka Geothermal Trails will be open 7 days a week, 9 am to 4 pm. We will be asking all visitors to follow any Ministry of Health recommended guidelines to keep our visitors and Village people safe. Entry will be at 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.
Ngā Mihi
Mike Gibbons
General Manager
Whakarewarewa- The Living Maori Village
Whaka Geothermal Trails (New Visitor Product)
DDI: +64 7 2822 369
M: +64 2722 96742
Wheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours offer a wide range of high quality cycling experiences in the Nelson Tasman region. We have a passion for delivering authentic, personalised services. Our bespoke products use The Great Taste Trail as well as other local routes. We specialise in creating exceptional experiences, crafted by a small team with local knowledge. All our tours are private and can be adapted to suit the needs of our guests. Our day and multi-day tours may be guided, premium guided or self- guided.