YoungTEC Awards 2026 are open
The YoungTEC Awards celebrate and recognise emerging talent within New Zealand’s tourism industry, highlighting young professionals who are making an outstanding contribution to the sector and shaping its future.
Presented as part of the Tourism Export Awards New Zealand, the awards acknowledge individuals who demonstrate leadership, innovation, passion, and a commitment to professional development through their involvement in YoungTEC programmes and the wider tourism community.
The awards provide recipients with valuable career development opportunities, industry recognition, and the chance to further grow their leadership capability.
Please download a copy of the Award Guidelines here.
About the Rising Star Award
Do you hold a behind the scenes or back office role, been working in the tourism industry for less than five years, have previously completed the YoungTEC Master Class Series and are keen to develop your career in tourism? Then the Tourism Export Council encourages you to submit your application for the Rising Star award.
The winner of this award will receive complimentary registration to 2026 TECNZ Conference and a day in Auckland at the Tourism New Zealand office and meet with an Air New Zealand representative. T&Cs apply.
About the Leadership Development Award
If you’ve been working in the tourism industry for more than three years, completed one or more of the YoungTEC Master Class Series and completed an Icehouse Leadership Day then the Tourism Export Council encourages you to submit your application for the Leadership Development Award 2026. This award recognises the outstanding efforts and contribution to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry by a YoungTEC member.
The winner of this award will receive complimentary return flights supported by Air New Zealand. Accommodation for one week courtesy of TECNZ and one-week professional development placement in Tourism New Zealand’s office in either Sydney, Shanghai or Los Angeles supported by TNZ. T&Cs apply.
If you would like more information please contact young@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz
Key Dates
| 20 May 2026 | Award entries open |
| 03 June 2026 | Award entries close 5pm |
| 04 June 2026 | Judging commences for written entries |
| 17 June 2026 | Finalists announced |
| 22 June 2026 | Interviews for finalists in Auckland |
| 06 August 2026 | Winners announced at the Tourism Export Awards Dinner |
Congratulations to our 2025 YoungTEC Award Winners
YoungTEC Rising Star 2025
Cam Mitchell, RealNZ – Cardrona x Trebble Cone
YoungTEC Leadership Development 2025
Ryan Wilmshurst, Maverick Tourism Digital