The 2019 Awards were updated to align with the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment, recognising environmentally sustainable and financially successful tourism businesses that embrace kaitiakitanga.
Three new awards – for Community Engagement, Employer of Choice, and Economic Success – attracted strong interest from entrants.
More than 110 tourism businesses and individuals entered the awards. They were whittled down to 37 finalists from around New Zealand.
“It’s pleasing to see the focus our business winners are putting on environmental and host community sustainability, as well as financial performance,” Mr Roberts says.
He thanked the Awards Partners, Air New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for their generous support.
2019 New Zealand Tourism Awards winners
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Industry Connections Award
Enviro-Mark Solutions Environmental Award
Horwath HTL Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award
- Glenys Coughlan
Marsh Tourism Industry Champion Award
- Fergus Brown, Holiday Parks New Zealand
PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award
- Trent Yeo, Ziptrek Ecotours, Queenstown
Auckland Airport Tourism Sustainability Business Excellence Award – more than $6m annual turnover
Tourism Ticker Tourism Sustainability Business Excellence Award – less than $6m annual turnover
- Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights, Rotorua
Community Engagement Award
- Stray & Kohutapu Lodge, Murupara
Department of Conservation - Conservation Award
- Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa
Westpac Economic Success Award
The Great Journeys of New Zealand Industry Enabler Award
- Department of Conservation – 2018-19 ‘Kiwi Way’ summer visitor campaign
He Kai Kei Aku Ringa Māori Tourism Award
- MDA Experiences, Rotorua
Angus & Associates Visitor Experience Award
- Owen River Lodge, Murchison
NZME People’s Choice Award
- Forgotten World Adventures, Taumarunui