A new sustainability partnership between ZEALANDIA eco-sanctuary and James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor aims to strengthen environmental goals and enrich the visitor experience to Wellington.

The agreement will see $2 of every Wellington room night booked via grandchancellorhotels.com donated to conservation efforts in the sanctuary.

“Our visitors will be supporting conservation even while they sleep”, says Steve Martin, Hotel General Manager. “Visitors to Wellington are eco-conscious and want to experience the natural world New Zealand is known for. We’ll also be encouraging them to visit ZEALANDIA, just 10 minutes from our hotel.”

Both organisations have a long history of sustainability initiatives.

Matt Valentine, ZEALANDIA Acting Chief Executive says, “We want to share our vision of a nature-rich city and encourage visitors to change the way they live with nature. This partnership shows our shared commitment to a more sustainable future.”

The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor has a ‘Green Team’ of passionate staff, always looking for new initiatives to reduce the busy hotels environmental footprint, such as donating surplus food, eco room service incentives and sustainable packaging. ZEALANDIA has a fleet of electric passenger shuttles, composts all greenwaste from its cafe, collects rainwater and generates some of its own power through rooftop solar panels.

Both Valentine and Martin agree that the partnership is a great opportunity to introduce ZEALANDIA to guests of the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, and contribute to the sustainability goals of each of our organisations. “We’re looking forward to building a more sustainable future, together.”

W | ​www.grandchancellorhotels​ W | ​https://www.visitzealandia.com/
Media Contact details:

Jessica Taylor | Marketing & Communications Manager | James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
021 190 7368 E: marketing@jamescookhotel.co.nz

Margaret McLachlan | Senior Corporate Communications Advisor | ZEALANDIA

+64 4 920 2222 E: Margaret.McLachlan@visitzealandia.com

About ZEALANDIA

ZEALANDIA is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225 hectare ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.

About the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor is located in the heart of Wellington City, conveniently situated between the leading retail district of Lambton Quay and the business hub of The Terrace. The 4 ½ star hotel features 268 accommodation rooms, valet parking, two restaurants and bars, a day spa, complimentary Wi-Fi and fitness facilities, with in-house guest yoga offered on a regular basis. A $12m refurbishment is currently in progress, with new Club and Executive Rooms due to open in July 2019.

GCH Aviation is boosting its investment in tourism infrastructure by buying Kaikoura Helicopters.

GCH Aviation Group Chief Executive, Andrew Currie says the purchase expands the group’s scenic and commercial aviation services across New Zealand and the Pacific, establishing it as one of New Zealand’s major tourism aviation providers.

He says the company is going from strength to strength and has its sights firmly fixed on the premium tourism sector. “We are ensuring our clients are given the very best experience from the minute they arrive to when they get out to explore New Zealand. Our high-value international visitors can now fly directly into Christchurch and head into the regions knowing they will receive the same high level of service, safety and experience.”

“Kaikoura is world renowned for its whale watching and the region also boasts spectacular coastal and alpine scenery. Kaikoura Helicopters is the most experienced aerial whale watching company in the world and has one of only two helicopter concessions to fly over the whale sanctuary, and we are delighted to add their expertise to our portfolio,” he says.

GCH Aviation is headquartered in Christchurch at a new $23 million base opened last year. 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 ambulance operations.

The group’s 9,000 sqm Christchurch facility has direct access to the Christchurch Airport runway, and dedicated helipads. It includes Christchurch’s first full-service jet centre for the South Island’s rapidly growing corporate aviation market, with hangar parking and overnight facilities for jets, a private terminal, ground handling, catering, plus Ministry of Primary Industry and Customs services.

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. It also holds a 100% Pure New Zealand Qualmark Gold endorsement.

GCH Aviation will be at TRENZ 2019 in Rotorua next week. Visit them on Stand #2016.

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Website: http://www.gchaviation.com/

For further information and images, please contact:

Anabel Darby

Darby PR

Tel: 021 668 090

Email: anabel@darby.pro

BDM and Quality Manager for ASURE Accommodation Group

Commencing 1^st May, Doug Robinson, Managing Director of NZAG Ltd T/A ASURE Accommodation Group, is pleased to welcome Sharon McGuire as ASURE’s Business Development and Quality Manager.

Sharon has held senior management positions in the transport, tourism, education and commerce sectors, including having served as CEO for Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, NMIT Director of Regional Economic Development and General Manager of three major hotels, two based in Nelson.

Sharon is a member of the Institute of Directors and SKAL International,  Associate Fellow of NZIM, Trustee of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary and BNZ Chairperson Top of the South. She and her husband Ian reside in Nelson and her contact details are sharon@asureaccommodation.co.nz

Sharon is looking forward to taking on this role and liaising with the tourism sector.

For further enquiries please contact:

Doug Robinson, Managing Director

ASURE Accommodation Group

Email: office@asureaccommodation.co.nz

Air Milford is a family owned and operated aviation company, specialising in personalised sightseeing excursions with particular expertise in Queenstown and Milford Sound scenic flights. You can also charter flights and enjoy even more of the dramatic scenery of New Zealand’s Fiordland and Southern Alps.

Air New Zealand says kia ora to Seoul

Air New Zealand is expanding its Pacific Rim network with the announcement today of a new direct service to Seoul, South Korea, by the end of the year.

The airline will fly three times per week to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport from 23 November 2019 and up to five times a week during the peak holiday period from late December – mid-February.

The new service will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with a flight time of around 12 hours northbound and just over 11 hours southbound.

Air New Zealand Chief Revenue Officer Cam Wallace says Seoul opens up exciting new opportunities for customers.

“Seoul is a densely populated city with more than 10 million residents.  Inbound leisure travel from South Korea to New Zealand has grown significantly in recent years presenting an important tourism growth opportunity for the airline and for the New Zealand tourism economy.

“We also want to encourage more Kiwi travellers to explore Seoul and South Korea.  We’re thrilled to be offering customers easy direct access to another vibrant Asian destination to add to their bucket list.  The new service will also help connect the estimated 40,000 Koreans already living in New Zealand more conveniently with friends and family in their home country.”

Air New Zealand first operated services between Auckland and Seoul in the mid-1990s but suspended the service when travel patterns changed and there was stronger demand elsewhere on its network.

Tickets for the new service will go on sale soon, subject to regulatory approvals and landing slot confirmation.

In other significant network announcements today, the success of the airline’s newly launched Taipei and Chicago routes means its will be increasing frequency to up to five times a week at peak times.  Air New Zealand currently operates three services per week on each route. From November 2019 this will increase to up to five flights per week to Taipei during the peak Northern Winter flying season and from December 2019 this will increase to up to five services per week to Chicago over the New Zealand summer peak.

Air New Zealand’s proposed schedule between Auckland and Seoul from 23 November 2019 is as follows:

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Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.

MEDIA RELEASE

Take Me 2 The World Partners with CEDA – Promoting Short Term Study Tours to Manawatu.

Palmerston North-based TECNZ ITO Member Take Me 2 The World has partnered with the Central Economic Development Agency, CEDA, to create a Short-Term Study Tour itinerary, aimed at potential Chinese international students and their parents.

The purpose of the one-week programme and itinerary is to raise awareness of the secondary school study and lifestyle opportunities in Manawatu and offer an immersive experience for students and their families to experience all that’s on offer in the city and region. CEDA is responsible for organising the education element of the programme, while Take Me 2 The World, which specialises in customised tours, will lead the tourism component.

China is New Zealand’s second-largest international tourism market and this programme is also designed to leverage the opportunities created through the 2019 China New Zealand Year of Tourism. Each year, Palmerston North hosts around 800 international students from China, 100 of whom study at secondary school.

CEDA is responsible for supporting the growth of the international education sector in Manawatu by working in partnership with education providers in the region. This is achieved through promoting and showcasing Manawatu as a fantastic place to study and live, ensuring students who are studying here have the best possible experience, and identifying pathways for international students to enter regional employment opportunities.

“China is one of CEDA’s focus markets and this programme is an exciting way to grow awareness and engage with people who are actively looking at studying abroad, and ideally have them choose Manawatu” says CEDA’s International Market Coordinator, Gatsby Wang.

The programme will take students into secondary school classes so they can experience the learning environments and culture of the education providers here, while Take Me2 The World will take parents to experience local highlights like Tui Brewery, Wildbase Recovery, Feilding Sale Yards, Te Manawa Museum, Te Apiti Windfarm, and Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge, amongst other things.

The week-long itinerary is a road trip from Auckland to Manawatu and then on to Wellington. Along the way, families will experience a range of New Zealand ‘must-do’ activities such as the Auckland Museum, including a Maori cultural performance, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Agrodome Farm Show and Tour, Redwood Treetop Walk, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Te Papa National Museum of New Zealand and Weta Workshop, to name a few.

The programme will officially be launched at the New Zealand Sister Cities Conference in Palmerston North, from March 21 – 23. The conference brings together mayors from around New Zealand and international delegations from Palmerston North’s sister city, Missoula in Montana, USA and the city’s friendship city in Japan, Mihara.

Nats Subramanian, the Chief Tour Leader at Take Me 2 The World says, “This is a fantastic example of collaboration between a local Inbound Tourism Operator and the Region’s Economic Development Agency. This really helps in bringing International visitors to the Manawatu Region and gives us the opportunity to provide an authentic Kiwi experience to them”.

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For more information contact: Nats Subramanian – Chief Tour Leader
nats@takeme2theworld.com / +64 27 222 4193
www.takeme2theworld.com

The inaugural Qualmark 100% New Zealand Experience Awards have launched with a bang, with more than 80 registrations received from tourism operators across the country in the first two weeks.

The awards are designed to celebrate exceptional visitor experience offerings within the New Zealand tourism sector against the three award criteria of manaakitanga, tiaki and whānau.

Qualmark General Manager Gregg Anderson says the 100% Experience Awards celebrate the elements of New Zealand tourism that turn a holiday into a trip of a lifetime for our visitors while enriching New Zealand communities.

“Warm welcomes, genuine connections and care for people and place is what turns a Kiwi holiday into a trip of a lifetime for visitors. The 100% Experience Awards seek to recognise Qualmark members going above and beyond to create an outstanding experience for visitors and local communities alike,” says Mr Anderson.

The 100% Experience Awards are supported by Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand’s Head of Sustainability Lisa Daniell says the airline is delighted to support the awards, which support and encourage sustainable tourism.

“Our vision is that tourism drives economic growth across New Zealand, while delivering an outstanding visitor and community experience and protecting our environment. The 100% Experience Awards are set to do just that by recognising tourism operators who show care for both people and place while offering exceptional visitor experiences,” says Ms Daniell.

The 100% Experience Awards follow the launch of Tiaki: Care for New Zealand, a tourism industry initiative to encourage travellers to care for people, place and culture while in New Zealand, for now and for future generations.

Registrations are open to Qualmark partners who hold the Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award. Partners may enter a single, bookable product, experience or activity that best reflects their core business.

The product or experience must also align with the Tourism New Zealand brand promise of 100% Pure New Zealand, which is in its 20^th year.

The 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards gala event will be held at Parliament in May 2019 with awards presented by the Minister of Tourism.

Winning businesses and their products will feature in premium inflight magazine Kia Ora, with monthly domestic and international readership of almost 400,000.

Qualmark Gold partners have until 5.00pm (NZST) 18 March 2019 to register their interest in the 100% Experience Awards. For more information, visit: https://www.qualmark.co.nz/en/member-area

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Fiordland Discovery offers exclusive small-group cruises in Aotearoa, New Zealand’s most cherished natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site, Fiordland National Park.

Our cruise experiences include both overnight and day trips in Piopiotahi Milford Sound from November to April. We focus on providing a personalised experience for a limited number of guests, allowing for a unique and immersive experience away from the crowds.

From April to the end of October, we offer scenic, historic, and nature adventure cruises in the stunning, remote wilderness areas and lesser-visited fiords of Fiordland National Park. These cruises accommodate a maximum of 18 guests.

Our 24-metre catamaran, the Fiordland Jewel, was specifically designed for the conditions of Fiordland. All nine climate-controlled cabins and the main saloon feature panoramic sea views. With a helipad, a top-deck hot tub, and plated meals prepared by our onboard chef, we ensure that our guests enjoy all the comforts they deserve.

A multi-million dollar top-to-toe makeover of the Hamilton Airport Hotel will deliver a destination restaurant plus 4-star conference and accommodation facilities for the region.

The revamped 62-room hotel will be complete by Christmas 2019 under the management of family-owned Jet Park Hotel Hamilton Limited from May 2019. Ownership of the hotel will remain with Waikato Regional Airport Limited (WRAL). WRAL purchased the hotel in January 2018 as part of its strategy to grow non-aeronautical revenue streams.

WRAL chief executive Mark Morgan acknowledged the role of Bruce Parker and his team who have leased the hotel since WRAL bought it. Jet Park, which already operates hotels in both Rotorua and Auckland, had a proven track record in outstanding hotel management and shared WRAL’s vision, he said.

“This will not be a budget-style facility. We want a high standard of accommodation with a range of other quality offerings including a restaurant, bar and extensive conferencing facilities at the hotel and terminal. Our growing regional visitor market, along with the increase in flights coming in and out of Hamilton shows the demand is there and growing. Let’s get on and deliver it.”

The existing hotel will remain open during the refurbishment programme which will be project managed by WRAL and Jet Park. Jet Park owner Liz Herrmann said the hotel, to be rebranded as part of the Jet Park group, would offer an “exceptional gateway to Hamilton and the Waikato”.

“The location and facility has absolutely enormous potential and we will be refurbishing it from top to bottom. Nothing will be the same. We’ll be starting with bed linen and ending with a brand new commercial kitchen and destination restaurant plus outstanding conferencing facilities,” she said.

“We want to create something really vibrant and take advantage of the beautiful gardens and the wonderful green space which is something you just don’t get everywhere. In that respect, we think there is also potential for weddings and other functions so there is a lot of opportunity on the site.”
As well as a Qualmark 4-star hotel rating, Jet Park would aim to secure silver status for environmental responsibility and sustainable management. The hotel would showcase original New Zealand artwork and Jet Park would look specifically for works from Waikato-based artists, Liz Herrmann said.

“The hotel will be a showcase and gateway to the region so let’s celebrate that.”

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism chief executive Jason Dawson said Jet Park was an experienced operator he predicted would do “very well” in the Waikato. The Hamilton and Waikato region is now the fifth largest market for visitor expenditure in New Zealand, pouring $1.557 billion per year into the regional economy. Last year motels and holiday parks in the region sold nearly 1.5 million guest nights.

“Based on what Jet Park has done in Rotorua and Auckland, they will do a great job and the refurbished 4-star hotel will be a very good asset to our tourism sector.”

Morgan said the appointment of Jet Park to operate the hotel would secure WRAL’s investment in the facility. He expected the hotel would strengthen the long-term earnings of the WRAL Group which includes Hamilton Airport, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism and Titanium Park Limited.
WRAL is a council-controlled organisation owned by Hamilton City, Otorohanga, Waipa, Waikato and Matamata-Piako District Councils.

For further information call:
Mark Morgan, WRAL CEO, 027 562 3351
Liz Herrmann, owner Jet Park Hotels 027 434 6282

MEDIA RELEASE

The first fully integrated airport hotel in New Zealand opens at Wellington Airport

The first hotel in New Zealand fully connected and integrated with an airport terminal opens at Wellington Airport today.

The four-star Rydges Wellington Airport hotel features 134 rooms, a bar and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. A refurbished conference centre offering eight meeting rooms with capacity for up to 80 people will also open later in the year.

Steve Sanderson, Wellington Airport CEO, says the purpose-built hotel will offer a great accommodation option for a wide variety of travellers.

“Tourists, business people and travellers from the wider Wellington region who are flying out early or arriving late will find the hotel an ideal option – they’ll enjoy a great night’s rest and an easy walk to the terminal.”

“This hotel reflects our commitment to continuing to enhance the airport experience for the growing number of passengers travelling through Wellington.”

Rydges is part of Event Hospitality and Entertainment Australasia and Rydges Wellington Airport will be the organisations seventh Rydges hotel in New Zealand and third in Wellington.

Chad Johnston, Rydges Wellington Airport General Manager, says: “Having direct access from inside the main terminal level is unique and it’s exciting that Rydges Wellington Airport will be the very first fully integrated airport hotel in New Zealand.”

“The hotel has the added benefit of being a plane spotter’s delight – with most rooms having extensive views out to Lyall Bay and directly out over the runway.”

As well as complementary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, an onsite gym, the hotel will offer day use rates to cater for early morning departures and those who have a long connection between flights, providing a convenient place to rest and relax.

The hotel also features original artwork by prominent New Zealand artists like Peter Hackett exhibited in the hotel’s lobby and entranceway.  Each room in the hotel also has a one-of-a-kind commissioned black and white photograph showcasing a different central New Zealand location.

Simon White, Event Hospitality and Entertainment’s General Manager of Hotel Operations, New Zealand, is confident the hotel will be popular.

“It is a testament to the quality of the Rydges brand with our experience and service delivery to the business and conference market.  With its fantastic accessibility and purpose-built facilities, we’re expect guests will enjoy this hotel and all it has to offer.”

The hotel took 22 months to complete and is part of a wider infrastructure development programme currently taking place at Wellington Airport. The programme includes a new transport hub and multi-level car park which opened in late 2018 and a $15 million, 6,000 sqm food and beverage and retail upgrade in the airport’s main terminal taking place over the next 12 months.

Bookings can be made at www.rydges.co.nz

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For more information contact:

Wellington Airport: Renee Carter renee.carter@wellingtonairport.co.nz +6421 707 295

Rydges Wellington Airport: Jacinta Cipolla jacita_cipolla@evt.com +6421 0821 4217