South Pacific Helicopters offer Whale Watching Flights and Scenic Flights by helicopter. It is an incredible way to view the wildlife and unique scenery of the area. We also offer Charter Flights, Bespoke Adventures, Heli-Picnics, Heli-rafting, Heli-tours, Heli-hikes, Heli-hunting and fishing, Back country farm visits by helicopter, Commercial Helicopter work.
Thursday 15 August
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)
For immediate release
Taranaki to showcase destination to TECNZ members in 2020
The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) announced today it will be bringing its annual tourism conference to Taranaki in 2020.
“We are extremely pleased to return to the Taranaki region as the last time we held the conference in New Plymouth was in 1999, says Chief Executive of TECNZ, Judy Chen.
TECNZ tourism conference is hosted in a New Zealand region each year and offers about 250 delegates a plethora of compelling speakers, workshops and Biz-to-Biz meetings, and a chance to participate in regional product familiarisations.
“Over the last 20 years, Taranaki’s tourism attractions and activities have evolved significantly. In recent years the region has developed an array of trade ready products that TECNZ is looking forward to highlighting. It is an opportunity to also experience the fantastic food and beverage scene as well as seeing its gardens and Mt Taranaki, says Ms Chen.”
“Having TECNZ back in our region after 20 years is a great opportunity to showcase all that Taranaki has to offer, says Venture Taranaki Chief Executive Justine Gilliland.
The region offers a very different visitor experience to that of 1999, as recognised by the strong growth in visitor numbers and accolades including the Lonely Planet Best in Travel award in 2017 as the world’s second best region.
We’ve got a fantastic itinerary planned that will ensure conference delegates get to see the best of the region and discover some of Taranaki’s best kept secrets,” Justine said.
“Many of these operators are members of TECNZ and we’re looking forward to highlighting and experiencing the attractions and activities,” says Ms Chen.
The 2020 TECNZ Tourism Conference will be hosted during 12-13 August.
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 |
Thursday 15 August 2019
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)
For immediate release
2019 Tourism Operator Awards voted by Industry Peers
Three of New Zealand’s top tourism operators have been recognised as the best in the business comprising of categories; Inbound Operator of the Year, Allied Operator of the Year and Small Business Operator of the Year.
“Congratulations to our 2019 winners” says TECNZ Chief Executive, Judy Chen. “Our annual Operator of the Year Awards celebrate those who are highly engaged with their business partners in the industry and have excelled in areas of innovation, customer service and responsible tourism.”
The 2019 Tourism Operator Awards were presented last night by Anna Black, General Travel and Chair of TECNZ and Judy Chen, TECNZ at the iconic Transitional Church, Christchurch.
Ms Chen says “Past winners comment on the significance of receiving acknowledgment from their peers within the industry. We are pleased to announce that the winners have a regional spread and are from all corners of New Zealand”.
The winners of the 2019 Operator of the Year Awards are:
Inbound Operator of the Year Award
Pan Pacific Travel is a privately owned and operated Australasian Inbound Operator with companies in New Zealand and Australia. For over 35 years, they have been one of New Zealand’s leading inbound operators and destination management companies specialising in FIT, group, event and incentive Travel. Pan Pacific Travel has made a significant investment in online booking technology to continue its drive for innovation. They address sustainability by encouraging their team to take part in YoungTEC, signing up to the Tourism Sustainability Commitment, and contributing towards the Wingspan Programme supporting the work done around threatened New Zealand falcon.
Ms Chen said, “Pan Pacific Travel has been a long standing and highly regarded inbound operator in the tourism sector for over 35 years. As the industry has grown, Pan Pacific Travel has sustained and adapted well with these changes. This is a huge credit to Chris, Matt, Anne and their team.”
Allied Operator of the Year Award
The Rees Hotel Queenstown opened in 2009, is independently owned and comprises of 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments and five Lakeside Residences situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The Rees Hotel Queenstown has created an incredibly high value export led business built on valuing people, caring for the environment and embracing the culture of Aotearoa; a ‘NZ Inc’ brand experience. They are highly responsive and sensitive to the cultural needs of all its guests; examples of TIAKI initiatives include offering Islamic prayer mats, culturally diverse breakfast and Halal food items through to honouring Aotearoa’s bi-cultural history through Te Reo Māori being spoken and signposted at the property.
Ms Chen said, “The Rees Hotel Queenstown is an extraordinary exemplar that has embraced the TIAKI pillars of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, tiaki and whānau. Chief Executive, Mark Rose can justifiably be proud of the unique and luxurious offering to New Zealanders and international guests.”
Small Business Operator of the Year Award
OGO Rotorua is owned and operated by the Kiwi inventors of downhill ball rolling and they are proud to share that after 10 years they have finally purchased back their original brand and company ZORB. The team has a true kiwi can do attitude; their owners work onsite, design and build everything by hand, from their OGO factory, track designs, curvy walkways, quirky cubbyholes through to their new TOWGO which “floats” balls back to the top of the hill. They have committed their team to completing the Manaaki Program which is a Rotorua centric customer service program specific to their destination covering Manaakitanga, Te Reo, Te Arawa history & Rotorua insights. This enables all their crew to interact and engage with their visitors and offering a deeper understanding of what Manaakitanga means to them and their visitors.
Ms Chen said, ”OGO Rotorua is another amazing company that has embraced Manaakitanga and how this can be incorporated with their visitors. Andrew Akers, Owner, and his team can be elated for their contribution to the local community.”
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
Thursday 15 August 2019
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)
For immediate release
TECNZ welcome a new Board member
The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) has announced the appointment of a new TECNZ Board of Director, Mark Badland, Managing Director, Pacific Destinations. He is joining the team for two years, until 2021 representing Inbound Tour Operators.
TECNZ Chair, Anna Black said, “I am delighted to welcome Mark back to the TECNZ Board. The breadth and variety of both Pacific Destinations’ business and Mark’s own experience will be a welcome addition, adding further strength to our already diverse mix of board members.”
The eleven-member board plus two co-opt positions oversee the TECNZ’s finances and strategic planning.
The current board would like to welcome Mark Badland to the TECNZ Board of Director’s team.
Current TECNZ Board members:
Adele Marsden (New Zealand Educational Tours),
Anna Black (TECNZ Chair and General Travel Group),
Dylan Rushbrook (Tourism Talent),
Geoff Yee (GSN Pacific),
Jake Downing (Weta Workshop),
Jenny Simpson (Air New Zealand),
John Gregory (Terra Nova Coach Tours),
Mark Badland (Pacific Destinations),
Michelle Caldwell (Vice Chair – Allied and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts),
Nicole Botting (YoungTEC Chair and Maverick Digital),
Scott Mehrtens (Vice Chair – Inbound and Leisure Time Tours),
Stuart Neels (AOT Group),
Tim Reid (Southern World NZ).
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 |
Wednesday 14 August 2019
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)
For immediate release
Tourism industry operators challenged to look at more than just the bottom line
Tourism operators were challenged to look at more than just the bottom line at the sold out 2019 New Zealand Tourism Export Council (TECNZ) Tourism Conference today in Christchurch.
Delegates from local inbound tour operators, tourism product providers, and key tourism stakeholder organisations have converged for a two day conference to hear speakers on the conference theme of Tiaki – Care for New Zealand, the care and protection of New Zealand for future generations.
“The tourism industry recognises the challenges that are facing local communities and impact tourism has on our environment. We also know that decisions we make as businesses can make a huge impact. What we’re asking ourselves is, can we use the power of our organisation or the power of our investment to drive social and environmental change?” says Judy Chen, Chief Executive TECNZ.
The conference opened with a welcome from Christchurch Mayor, Lianne Dalziel and an address by the Minister of Tourism, Kelvin Davis.
As one of the founders of the Student Volunteer Army, Jason Pemberton spoke about how the earthquakes changed him, how it changed organisations and how it changed Christchurch.
In 2016 Jason joined www.Felt.co.nz, an online marketplace for New Zealand made goods and gifts with a focus on supporting creative designers and helping makers to run successful businesses, whilst also showing consumers the social and environmental benefits of small-box retail.
Louise Aitken, Chief Executive of the Ākina Foundation emphasised that the choices we make about where to put our money as consumers, as employees and as investors, can really make a difference.
“Impact-driven businesses are here; they are growing, and they are the future. As consumers, our choices are powerful – our choices are transforming business to be more sustainable, to be more focused on their impact on our environment and on the communities in which they operate.”
“Our visitors are looking to come to New Zealand and experience our natural environment and the culture of our people. Sustainability and authenticity are things that can make your business stand out from the rest, said Judy Chen. “What we’ve heard today are some great examples of how you can make that work for business.”
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 New Zealand
027 6644 836
Wednesday 14 August 2019
For immediate release
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand
Tourism Export Council welcomes new funding to grow tourism industry talent
The Tourism Export Council New Zealand (TECNZ) welcomes the Government’s announcement of $5.2 million in funding to expand Go with Tourism, an initiative to promote and attract talent to the tourism industry.
“Tourism is our largest export earner and we are pleased to see the government investing money into building our workforce capability.” says TECNZ Chief Executive Judy Chen.
Ms Chen says TECNZ has been working for some time to encourage careers in tourism by working closely with our industry partners and stakeholders and she is pleased to see further work being done to attract and retain people in the tourism industry.
‘’It’s important for people to see that there is a career to be had in the tourism industry. We need a skilled workforce to maintain our reputation as a high-quality destination.”
TECNZ has its own subsidiary ‘YoungTEC’ to encourage networking within young tourism professionals and to develop new leaders in our industry.
“YoungTEC has its own professional development programme, an annual Summit, and a Leadership Day course aimed at supporting young tourism professionals in their career path.
We also offer YoungTEC members regular networking events and currently a partnership programme with the New Zealand School of Tourism where students get a glimpse of what it is like to work in the tourism industry through a ‘speed-dating‘ initiative.’’ she says.
The funding announced today will expand the Go With Tourism programme into more regions, setting up a national hub with a dedicated team to manage the initiative along with regional coordinators, building an online knowledge hub for everyone in the industry, and organising engagement opportunities nationwide, such as school ambassadors, industry open days and work placements.
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 |
Tourism industry influencers rediscovering Ōtautahi Christchurch
Christchurch’s profile as an international destination will be in the spotlight this week as New Zealand’s tourism experts come to the city to explore the regions tourism attractions.
The Tourism Export Council (TECNZ) will hold it’s sold out annual conference in Christchurch for the first time in years and Chief Executive Judy Chen says the industry is looking forward to seeing the redevelopment that has taken place.
“Our members are the companies that bring valuable international visitors to New Zealand and they will be looking for new attractions and activities to add to their itineraries” said Ms Chen. “This is one of the most influential tourism conferences held in New Zealand, and we are pleased to be able to show delegates first-hand the tourism products available in the Christchurch and Canterbury region”.
“Welcoming the Tourism Export Council to Ōtautahi Christchurch is a great opportunity to showcase our ever-evolving city” says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
“We love being a host city for events like these, that combine business and pleasure, and then seeing people return to explore all the possibilities we have to offer as a city and as the international gateway to the South Island of New Zealand.”
The concept of Tiaki, meaning to preserve, foster and protect, is the theme for this year’s conference. A jointly promoted effort by the tourism industry, the Tiaki Promise was launched last year to show New Zealanders and visitors alike how they can care for New Zealand while they are travelling throughout the country.
“We are looking to our members to incorporate all aspects of Tiaki into their businesses whether it’s implementing sustainable business processes, developing local community partnerships or enriching the cultural element of their products” says Judy Chen.
Speakers include adventurer, entrepreneur and strategist, Jamie Fitzgerald, Christchurch based educator Jason Pemberton, Louise Aitken of Akina Foundation, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer of Te Runanga o Ngai Ruanui, Peter Shelley, Managing Director of the Australian Tourism Export Council, Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand, Sharon Zollner, Chief Economist at ANZ and Billie Jordan, founder of the Hip Op-eration dance crew.
The conference will be held in Christchurch on the 14th and 15th of August 2019 at Rydges Latimer Christchurch. Local tourism product familiarisations will be held prior to and after the event.
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 New Zealand
027 6644 836
Alpine Luxury Tours specialises in private airport transfers, guided day tours for sightseeing, Multi Day Experiences, wine experiences, hiking, heli hiking and heli-adventures to Exclusive locations throughout Queenstown, Fiordland, Mount Cook National Park and the South island. Whether it’s a custom heli-hike tour to Middle earth waterfalls or a scenic journey through Central Otago’s spectacular vineyards, you’re in safe hands with our knowledgeable local guides.
VisitorPoint commits to the Living Wage
New Zealand brochure distribution company VisitorPoint officially committed to paying its staff the Living Wage from July 1.
All VisitorPoint staff are now entitled to an hourly rate minimum of $21.15, considerably more than the minimum wage of $17.70.
General manager Jenni Powell says the welcome change is part of the company’s pledge to Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s (TIA) sustainability commitment goals which includes employment.
“We have an extremely loyal and committed workforce which we appreciate immensely,” she says.
“As a company we genuinely believe our staff deserve this commitment from us as they are our most important asset, and we’re excited to be able to support them in this way.
All future employees will also be entitled to the new wage.
VisitorPoint has decided to forge ahead in driving social change for its 28-strong staff.
“As tourism businesses continue to grow throughout the country, we do too. From a financial and moral standpoint this is the right choice for us to make.”
VisitorPoint is New Zealand’s only national distributor of tourism information, having distributed brochures throughout New Zealand for more than 30 years.
It operates three warehouses in Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown equipped with full teams of warehouse staff working in tandem with 19 merchandisers, as well as sales and marketing and senior management teams.
VisitorPoint’s move to a Living Wage for staff aligns with its commitment to TIA’s sustainable tourism promise.
One of TIA’s goals is for businesses to pay a fair wage to all staff, which aligns with VisitorPoint’s existing efforts in offsetting carbon emissions from all flights, the introduction of live online reporting for its clients and supporting print companies which share its sustainable print visions.
“We’re trying hard to make changes which improve our business while taking sustainability into consideration; it’s all part of a journey for us,” says Jenni.
VisitorPoint currently distributes over 3,500 brochure titles from New Zealand tourism operators the length and breadth of the country. It has over 2000 physical display outlets nationally and operates 38 distribution circuits.
For further media information or high res images please contact:
Fiona Woodham
Southern PR
T: 03 451 0444
M: 027 4313270
Progressive Dinner Tours launch in Queenstown
The region’s first ever Progressive Dinner Tour is about to hit Queenstown, hosted by renowned operators Alpine Wine Tours.
As of mid-July, guests can explore the very best of Queenstown’s renowned wineries, micro-breweries and restaurants in just one evening, on the ultimate Progressive Dinner Tour.
Owner-operator Emma Chisholm says she saw a gap in the market for night-time activities and jumped at the opportunity to launch something a little different.
“Evening activity options are few and far between in Queenstown, but the Progressive Dinner Tour fills that void and gives people a chance to go on an incredible night-time journey where they can relax, meet new friends and experience the very best food, wine and craft beer the region has to offer,” she says.
“Especially if they are short on time, people can fill their days with activities and then spend a stress-free evening wining and dining. All they need to do is book and turn up, we take care of the rest.”
The Tours visit three iconic locations, including the picturesque Shotover River, the Valley of Vines – Gibbston Valley – and historic Arrowtown. Tours start and end in vibrant central Queenstown, meaning guests can start their evening in town early before pick up, or extend into the night following drop off.
Guests travel comfortably in a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter driven by a knowledgeable local host.
Alpine Wine Tours is family-owned and operated by Emma and director Lee Saunders. With family connections to Queenstown and the wider Otago region dating back nearly 60 years, the pair’s combined local knowledge and family heritage means they offer guests a genuinely authentic kiwi hospitality experience in ‘their own’ backyard.
Emma says dinner tours are hugely popular around the world, where they are sometimes known as Safari Suppers.
“They were the thing to do in the UK during the 1950s and 60s, then made a bit of a comeback when dinner parties became all the vogue again and thanks to the rise of TV show ‘Come Dine With Me’,” says Emma.
On the Queenstown Progressive Dinner Tours, courses are expertly matched with multiple glasses of renowned Central Otago wine, locally brewed craft beer and a cheeky after-dinner nightcap.
All Alpine Wine Tours group experiences are adults only, and the Progressive Dinner Tour is no exception.
The tours leave the centre of Queenstown at 6.45pm daily and guests are dropped back into town at 10.15pm, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the resort’s night life.
Prices are $249 per person all-inclusive and pre-bookings are required.
For further information or to book go to www.alpinewinetours.co.nz
For further media information or high res images please contact:
Mandy Cooper
Southern PR
E: Mandy@southernpr.co.nz
M: 027 3377 907