YoungTEC Chair and Vice Chair announced
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”.
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.
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