Hotel management students receive boost from industry

The inaugural winners of the New Zealand Hotel Industry Scholarships have been announced.

The scholarships were on offer to young New Zealanders entering their final year of degree study in hotel management.

The first two scholarships, managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and Horwath HTL, have been awarded to:

• Imogen Graham
• Kate Sweeney

Alongside a prize of up to $3000 towards their course fees, the winners will have access to valuable connections to the industry. They will also gain entry to industry events including the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference and Hotel Industry Awards Gala Dinner.

“Imogen and Kate both showed a real commitment to the industry in their applications,” says TIA Hotel Sector Manager Sally Attfield. “As well as recognising the value of the scholarships, both applicants demonstrated a genuine drive to succeed in the hotel industry. They each offered insightful comments in their interviews that showed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Horwath HTL Director Stephen Hamilton says he is looking forward to seeing the scholarships support Imogen and Kate in their journeys and careers. “Both winners clearly have very bright futures ahead of them,” he says.

TIA and Horwath HTL are co-hosts of the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference.

About the winners

Imogen Graham
Imogen was awarded the scholarship to put towards tuition fees for her Master of Global Management at Victoria University of Wellington.

“The scholarship will allow me to have a deeper understanding of the industry and the emerging trends regarding guest experiences and leadership challenges,” says Imogen.

“It will help with understanding hotels in New Zealand and their global positioning. Establishing connections in the hotel industry will offer a wider network for problem solving.”

Kate Sweeney

Kate is studying a Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Hotel and Tourism Management and Global Business at Lincoln University.

When asked what attracted her to the hotel sector, Kate said: “This job is one that is secure and will constantly stay interesting. No two days in the hotel sector are the same and the development within the sector ensures there are sustainable career outcomes.”

“Winning this scholarship will not only ease the financial pressure of covering my course costs, but it will give me an advantage against others in my career.”

For more information, go to New Zealand Hotel Industry Scholarship.

For further information, please contact:

Edgewater’s Lonely Tree ‘Revealed’

With a bright red bow wrapped around it, Edgewater’s Lonely Tree Gift area was officially opened on Friday 18^th October by Board Chairman, David Robinson and Project Manager Karen Peat.

The Lonely Tree Gift area is located in Edgewater’s hotel lobby and offers guests and visitors a carefully curated range of unique local and New Zealand styled products including Roy the Ram (soft toy), authorised Southern Lakes Tartan throws & cushions, carry all bags, Edgewater exclusive designed tea towels, locally made soaps, room fragrances and much more.

Lonely Tree Gifts is a Wanaka stockist of the premium collection of Boh Runga’s jewellery collection.

According to General Manager, Catherine Bone, “Guests are often looking for a memento of their time with us.  Practically was also a focus, so the items are lightweight and easy for our guests to take home”.

The development of Lonely Tree Gifts is a new initiative by Edgewater hotel to enhance the guest experience.

The name reflects Edgewater’s close proximity to ‘That Wanaka Tree’, a lone tree growing out of the lake.  “Our guests take great delight in photographing That Wanaka Tree but often comment that it is lonely, hence the inspiration to call our gift area Lonely Tree Gifts.”, adds Catherine.

A specific logo has been developed and can be found in the drop box below along with images from the opening event.

ENDS

For further comment

Catherine Bone, General Manager, Ph: 022 592 2817

For further details on the hotel

Trish May, Business Development, Ph 021 916 188, Email: bd@edgewater.co.nz

2019 YoungTEC Awards finalists announced

YoungTEC is proud to announce the finalists of their 2019 Excellence and Go with Tourism Rising Star awards.  With a record breaking year of entries, these awards recognise the outstanding efforts and contribution of YoungTEC members to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Go with Tourism Rising Star Award

The finalists for the 2019 Go with Tourism Rising Star award are:

• Zac Watson, ATEED, Auckland
• Moerangi Vercoe, Rotorua Canopy Tours, Rotorua
• Ella Spittle, Southern Discoveries, Queenstown

Zac showed great achievement on the Go with Tourism and Auckland Ambassador programme and how innovative he was with working with a newly developed team.  Its evident he has a huge passion for the industry.

Moerangi demonstrated strong development through all areas of Rotorua Canopy Tours from operations, marketing and strategy to then achieve overall business goals.  She has a great connection with the local schools to promote tourism as a career.

Ella presented her success of redefining Southern Discoveries brand and launching the campaign ‘go further, get closer, discover more’.  She is clearly a passionate and skilled marketer.

YoungTEC Chair Nicole Botting says ‘The Go with Tourism Rising Star applicants showed an incredible passion for tourism and a motivation to make a real change in our industry. We are humbled and inspired by these remarkable young people, and I personally cannot wait to see where their careers take them’.

The Go with Tourism Rising Star winner receives complimentary registration to the 2020 Tourism Export Council Annual Conference, YoungTEC Summit and Xmas Symposium, as well as $500 to assist with travel expenses courtesy of the Tourism Export Council of NZ.

Excellence Award

The finalists for the 2019 Excellence award are:

• Nicole Botting, Maverick Digital, Auckland
• Rachel Leinhardt, Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua
• Anthony Longman, Tourism Central Otago, Central Otago

Nicole has excellent and broad experience as well as contributions across a number of roles so early in her career, including Brand Manager for Kiwi Experience and Discover Waitomo at Tourism Holdings, bringing the Christchurch Story to life as Destination Marketing Manager at ChristchurchNZ and her recent role Head of Delivery at Maverick Digital.  Outside of her employment she demonstrates an impressive development of the next generation of tourism professionals through leading the YoungTEC Executive and events for the YoungTEC members.

Rachel achievements are highlighted with the marketing campaign and strategy she has obtained over the last four years at Skyline Rotorua.  Her passion for the tourism industry is evident through the voluntary work she is involved in, including being a BYATA Board member and YoungTEC mentor.

Anthony demonstrates success through his Digital Marketing role at Tourism Central Otago and substantially growing the Eat.Taste.Central event and involvement with the Responsible Camping Programmes and the community ‘Tidy the Trails’ event.  Outside of his work he shows great motivation in the adventure world, including Race Director for the most challenging marathons in Australasia ‘Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon’ and is involved with various boards; Mountain bikers of Alexandra, Central Otago Whitewater  and Freestyle Kayak Association.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) Chief Executive Judy Chen says “our YoungTEC members who have become finalists have excelled in the outstanding efforts and contribution and development of New Zealand’s tourism industry.  Congratulations to all 2019 finalists”.

The Excellence award winner receives a two-week professional development placement in one of Tourism New Zealand’s international offices, flights and accommodation sponsored by Air New Zealand and Accor Hotels, and two weeks room only accommodation courtesy of the Tourism Export Council.

Thanks to our partners Air New Zealand, Go with Tourism and Tourism New Zealand for supporting us.

The winners will be announced at the TECNZ Xmas Symposium, Auckland on 4 December.

Registrations for this event are available here.

ENDS

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.

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 – YoungTEC Communications

027 480 7252

young@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

The Rees Culinary Coup: Attracts Olympian Chef to Head up True South Dining Room

The Rees Queenstown is delighted to announce the appointment of culinary Olympian and top 20 best young chef[1] in the world, Corey Hume as Executive Chef.

Chef Hume, a former member of the New Zealand National Culinary Olympic team has a “blue sky vision” for the hotel’s international award winning restaurant, True South Dining Room when he takes the reins on 14 October.

Mark Rose, Chief Executive of The Rees believes it’s a real coup to have attracted such a phenomenal Chef to be steward of True South in its next chapter.

“Corey is world-class – both in his creative calibre and kind-heartedness given his service record mentoring chefs and raising funds for important community causes. We’re all hugely excited to welcome him aboard to our team,” Rose says.

Cantabrian Hume wants to create an experience for both locals and overseas guests alike that is truly definitive of “True South” – a restaurant with a burgeoning trophy cabinet of its own that’s situated overlooking the Remarkables mountain range on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Style-wise he’s passionate about staying seasonal using only the finest ingredients yet likes to have fun by creating surprises, confessing to “love of a bit of theatre” in his approach.

His CV is impeccable just like his professional technique with a multi-page roll-call noting national and international distinctions, excellence awards, world chef affiliations, a global scholarship to the US, a guest chef secondment in Japan, a Board membership to Bocuse d’Or New Zealand, a national culinary Coach role and a clutch of bronze, silver and gold medals.

Yet despite all the accolades, including reaching one of the top echelons of the profession – competing in the World Culinary Olympics, Chef keeps grounded with humble values and a collaborative spirit based on a strong purpose and direction.

Inspired by his foodie grandparents – fondly remembering “the fresh biscuits and baking”, Hume was hooked from the tender age of 16 to be a chef and trained at Christchurch Polytechnic in the late nineties.

He describes his cookery as constantly evolving boosted by his love of travel throughout the world – after residencies working in Japan, Oman and exposure in the US for several preeminent Michelin star restaurants [2].

“I believe in honesty and authenticity – with a twist,” he says describing his signature style.

A memorable meal for him is full of flavour, follows the seasons, has a thoughtfulness in composition yet stays humble.

He’s driven to “create and share that passion with his team first and foremost as well as interacting with guests at the table”. He looks forward to cultivating a team that excel in their roles.

“I was always taught to create a team of future leaders.”

Chef also has a good perspective on sustainability both from an environmental and ethical viewpoint.

“There are real opportunities for us to be more proactive and efficient with solutions – there’s nothing that can’t be used in some way, that’s where the creativity comes in,” he says crediting his previous stint at opening Six Senses in Oman for his environmental ethos.

He looks forward to supporting the micro industry of local growers.

“Some ingredients I discovered in Michelin restaurants overseas are now being grown in our region. It’s important I partner with like-minded individuals and companies to enhance what we serve to our guests.”

Chef Hume believes Queenstown is an inspiring place to live. “There are few places where the view is as magnificent,” he says.

His last tenure as Executive Chef was at Blanket Bay Lodge for eight years.

ENDS

Media please contact:
Sarah Sparks

Sarah.sparks@markompr.com
+6421318813

Go Orange named Deloitte Fastest Growing Services Business two years in a row

The awards keep coming for Queenstown and Fiordland tourism operator Go Orange.

For the second year in a row, it was announced today (Thursday September 26) that Go Orange has been named the Fastest Growing Services Business in Dunedin and the lower South Island by Deloitte.

Go Orange won the same award for the first time last year, with revenue growth of 209%, and went on to rank 37^th on the national Deloitte Fast 50, announced later in the year.

“It’s an outstanding result for any company to be recognised for its contribution to the continued growth of the New Zealand business economy, but to do it two years in a row is exceptional,” says Go Orange General Manager Luke Taylor.

“We’re absolutely stoked with this latest award which recognises the hard work and dedication of our team across all our businesses in Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound.”

It’s been a year of fast-paced success and industry accolades for Go Orange.

Less than two weeks ago it was named AWS Legal Fiordland Tourism Operator of the Year 2019. Within the past year Luke Taylor was named TIA emerging Leader of the Year, and Go Orange was a national finalist in the Humankind Employee Experience Awards.

Go Orange is also currently nominated as a finalist in the best tour/activity category of the Australia & New Zealand Adventure Tourism Awards 2019 and is an entrant in the innovation category. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of tourism businesses in both countries.

The latest results are all the more remarkable for a tourism brand that was formed just over two years ago with the merger of a number of Queenstown businesses. It re-structured from a solely backpacker-focussed brand to one which aligns with a much wider range of travellers and demographics.

It delivers outstanding New Zealand visitor experiences with cruising, whitewater rafting, jet boating, kayaking and coach connections in Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford and Doubtful sounds.

In the past year it has launched a new Milford Haven cruise experience in Milford sound, a Go Orange jetboat experience, a bespoke Unimog fleet for rafting experiences, a new coach fleet and a new Queenstown ferry service.

“Our mantra is ‘Go Beyond’, inspiring and challenging visitors to become travellers, to go deeper, further and beyond the average tourist, and I’m incredibly proud of our team who have built an adventurous, fun and innovative brand,” says GM Luke Taylor.

Go Orange will attend the 2019 Deloitte Festival of Growth in November, where the national Deloitte Fast 50 index, national category winners, national Rising Star winner and national Master of Growth index are announced.

For further media information or images please contact:

Mandy Cooper

Southern PR

E: Mandy@southernpr.co.nz

M: 027 337 7907

Grand Pacific Tours is a New Zealand Coach Holiday Specialist aimed at the mature age traveller and recognised as the market leader offering travellers a quality experience that represents excellent value for money.

Tour in style, choose from over 180 guaranteed departures and a range of itineraries from 9 to 19 days :-

• Ultimate Small Group Tours (Business Class – 20 seat coach)
• Signature Mid-Size Tours (Premium Economy – 32 seat coach)
• Special Interest Tours (Varied coach size)

Our portfolio of Special Interest Tours includes Solo travellers, aviation, and festive season tours.

Grand Pacific Tours Head Office is Melbourne based with a traveller demographic of 75% Australian and 25% International travellers.

A proudly Australian founded company Scenic has offices across the globe, two sister companies, Evergreen Tours and Emerald Waterways and after more than three decades of successful operation, is looking towards an exciting future.

Scenic is a member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), IATA (International Air Transport Association), CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators), and is ATAP Accredited (Australian Tourism Accreditation Program) which validates its strength, capabilities and international presence.

Tourism Talent enters Australia and launches new website

New Zealand’s only dedicated tourism talent development and recruitment marketplace has launched in Australia operating in both New South Wales and Western Australia.

Chris Flynn, President and CEO at The World Tourism Association for Culture & Heritage and former Regional Director Pacific for PATA, and Karen Priest, the Principal of Smart Tourism, a Perth based tourism consulting firm join Tourism Talent as Australian Directors.

Mr Flynn will be familiar to many as a he’s been a regular speaker at tourism conferences throughout New Zealand.
Ms Priest has 30 years’ experience in the private and public sector and currently serves on the Board of Tourism Western Australia.

Tourism Talent New Zealand’s Managing Director Dylan Rushbrook says ‘Australia is a natural next step. A number of our international clients have asked when we would move into the Australian market as they have similar talent issues to that of New Zealand. We also realise that the right talent doesn’t always live in New Zealand, so expanding into Australia opens up our talent pool, and creates opportunities for professionals to move between the two markets through our services.’

‘We are incredibly lucky to have people of the calibre of Chris and Karen believe in and share our passion for change. Both bring extensive local and global networks and will help take Tourism Talent to another level.’ says Rushbrook.
Flynn says, ‘The opportunity to become part of Tourism Talent was an easy decision. As an industry we’ve struggled in the past due to a lack of dedicated career platforms and expert guidance to help us determine the most appropriate career path to take. Tourism Talent fills that gap and I am proud to be part of the Australian team.’
Priest adds, ‘I am beyond excited about joining the Tourism Talent team. With 30 years’ experience in tourism, hospitality and recruitment in various parts of the world including New Zealand and Australia for a number of years, I am passionate about both countries, in mentoring our youth and encouraging them to think of tourism as an exhilarating career path for their future.

To support the expansion into the Australian market, Tourism Talent has also launched a new website this week. The website was developed by Auckland based Maverick Digital, who as a client of Tourism Talent’s had a unique insight into the business from both the client and candidate point of views.

Rushbrook goes on to say, ‘the great thing is that amongst the directors and our clients there is real energy and passion to see change happen and to see tourism become recognized for the amazing career that it can be. We are all really proud of what we’ve achieved over the past year, but there is a long way to go in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.’

ENDS

For more information please contact; Dylan Rushbrook +64 212850625
dylan.rushbrook@tourismtalent.co.nz www.tourism-talent.com

About Tourism Talent
Tourism Talent was established in New Zealand in 2018 by tourism industry professionals Jason Hill (formerly of ATEED and Tourism NZ), and Dylan Rushbrook, (formerly of SKYCITY and Heritage & CityLife Hotels) who joined forces with Nuwanthie Samarakone, CEO of ICE, a talent development agency with offices in London, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Auckland and Wellington.
Born from frustration in sourcing quality talent for roles, and other agencies not understanding the tourism industry, the directors quickly established Tourism Talent and set about building a unique position in the market to make change happen, whilst supporting industry wide initiatives to change the image of tourism as a career.
Tourism Talent has three areas of focus in executive search, temping and development and is a sponsor of the New Zealand Tourism Awards – Employer of Choice Award in 2019.

Celebrate your uniqueness says tourism export expert

Celebrate your uniqueness is the message from tourism exporters to Waitaki tourism businesses.

TECNZ Chief Executive Judy Chen will meet with local operators and Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher to discuss the role that inbound tourism has in the regional economy.

“Inbound tour operators are the people that bring international visitors to New Zealand and they are always looking for new and innovative products to add into their itineraries” says Ms Chen.

“Most international visitors spend about two weeks in New Zealand and want to experience things they can’t do or see anywhere else. Differentiating yourself from others either with the product you have, or the service you provide, can make lasting impression.

Unique attractions and activities will help build stronger and more diverse visitor markets and there are so many unique natural features here that you can’t see anywhere else.” she says.

The Blue Penguin Colony at Oamaru is an example of taking what you have and really making a difference, combining tourism with a research and conservation element.  Through their efforts, they are being recognized nationally with a nomination in this years New Zealand Tourism Awards in the conservation category.

TECNZ is here to support and work with Waitaki operators and the local regional tourism organisation to further develop products for the international market.

“Working together we can make sure that the region has a strong, sustainable tourism industry well into the future.”

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:

Judy Chen

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836