Six B&B finalists in running for AA Spirit of Hospitality Award

The Automobile Association and @home NEW ZEALAND are proud to announce this year’s finalists for the AA Spirit of Hospitality Award for Excellence in Home Hosting.

Five of the six finalists are located in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions - Fothergills on Mimiha (Whakatane), Broekhaven Cottage (Rotorua), Colonial Homestay (Tairua), Hot Water Beach Bed & Breakfast (Hot Water Beach) and The Heights (Thames). Alpine Vista Bed & Breakfast & Alpine Cottage (Lake Tekapo) is the lone South Island, and only non-Waikato/Bay of Plenty, contender.

@home NEW ZEALAND President Trevor Knight says that although 480 members were qualified to participate this year he hopes to see more of the association members who operate B&B's put themselves forward for the award in 2011.

“The AA Spirit of Hospitality Award for Excellence in Home Hosting searches for the best of the best, and these finalists should be extremely proud to have come out on top. This is a prestigious award,” says Mr Knight.

AA Tourism CEO Peter Blackwell says the finalists have set a high benchmark in the industry.

“Staying at B&B is a unique Kiwi experience and provides a home away from home for both domestic and international travellers. Quality hospitality need not cost a thing, however its impact on guests is enormous,” says Mr Blackwell.

“It is the hospitality of staff that will ensure guests return, so I congratulate our finalists and all B&B staff who are fantastic hosts.”

Finalists for the AA Spirit of Hospitality Award for Excellence in Home Hosting are selected based on comment cards sent in by guests.

The winner will be announced at the @home Conference in Wellington at the end of the month.

Ends

© Scoop Media