New Zealand Tourism Awards - Go Live

5 December 2003 Source: Media Release

Applications are now open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2004. Visit www.nztourismawards.co.nz today for information on how to become one of New Zealand’s leading tourism operators. In line with applicant feedback, entry criteria remain largely the same as in 2003 with the following minor changes. Visitor Accommodation is now a category on its own with the inclusion of Boutique Accommodation as a sub category Transportation has been moved from the Tourism Services category, renamed for 2004 as the Tourism and Transportation Services Category. Entries close 2 April 2004. This follows TIANZ announcement earlier this week that Taupo will host the New Zealand Tourism Conference 2004, August 23-25. The Tourism Awards ceremony will take place at a Gala function on the final night of the New Zealand Tourism Conference, 25 August 2004. TIANZ wishes to acknowledge the tremendous support given to the awards by sponsors in 2003. In particular Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Montana, Telecom New Zealand, Westpac, Sky City, onHoliday Magazine, Creative New Zealand, Budget Car and Truck Rental, PATA, and Green Globe 21. For a list of 2003 winners go to www.nztourismawards.co.nz

Key Facts about Tourism Over nine percent of New Zealanders are employed in tourism which is worth over $15.2 billion annually to the country. Nine percent of New Zealand’s Gross Domestic Product comes from tourism and the sector is the largest single export industry accounting for 15.7% of all exports. International visitor expenditure was $6.8 billion in the year to March 2002. (Source: Tourism Research Council New Zealand. All figures are for the year to March 2002). Tourism Awards History In 2003 TIANZ received around 100 entries for these awards and 33 applicants were nominees visited by a panel of judges and assessors trained specifically for the role. “The New Zealand Tourism Awards recognise and reward excellence in the New Zealand tourism industry, and are an opportunity to celebrate excellence” says John Moriarty, Chief Executive of TIANZ. Every year the prestige and significance of the New Zealand Tourism Awards grows. For travellers to New Zealand, the Tourism Awards logo displayed on a company’s brochure represents the very best our country has to offer. The media coverage and associated exposure for site visit recipients, winners, supporters and sponsors is significant with the logos of all sponsors and supporters being displayed or mentioned at every opportunity throughout the 12 month Tourism Awards process. “Winning a tourism award positions a business up with the best, giving recognition and a higher profile in New Zealand and around the world” says Mr Moriarty.

The original tourism awards were held in 1955 under the auspices of the New Zealand Travel and Holidays Association. The awards evolved over the years under the management and guidance of the National Travel Association, which in subsequent years became the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ). The entry process has evolved over the years, with categories altered as current industry trends dictate. Entrants are asked to submit an integrated business plan taking into consideration seven specific questions. These questions are based on the Business Excellence Framework, but adapted for the tourism industry. The Business Excellence Framework is an internationally recognised model for business excellence.

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