Media Release: 8th July 2013

Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Awards announced for 2013

Tourism businesses in Hawke’s Bay will have an opportunity to put their best foot forward at the 2nd Annual Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Awards, which opened for entries today, 8 July.

These awards recognise local tourism providers delivering exceptional visitor experiences and are being teamed up for the first time with a Regional Tourism Industry Conference. The awards ceremony will follow the annual tourism conference held during the day on September 19th at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House.

The awards and conference are led by Hawke’s Bay Tourism in conjunction with its parent group the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association (HBTIA). It is the first time since 2010 that the regional tourism conference had been held. Speakers will include Tourism New Zealand specialists and other national tourism professionals.

George Hickton, Hawke’s Bay Tourism Chairman says “After the success of the inaugural 2012 awards the industry voted overwhelmingly in support of continuing to celebrate local businesses who deliver an exceptional visitor experience. We need to celebrate achievements within the tourism industry and to acknowledge those who are running successful businesses”

For 2013 the award categories are being expanded to cover four distinct areas; two main categories covering Accommodation and Activities, from which a Supreme Winner will be chosen, plus awards for People’s Choice and Outstanding Contributor to Tourism are being planned. The top ten businesses will be showcased with category and supreme award winners announced on the night.

The awards are open to Hawke’s Bay Tourism Partner programme members across all tourism sectors. Entrants will be asked to complete a short questionnaire and present a brief business plan.

Entrants will be judged by an independent panel Charlie Ives, Executive Officer of RTONZ, the Regional Tourism Association of NZ, along with local judges Stuart Webster of Sainsbury, Logan & Williams and a Hawke’s Bay Airport board member along with Jenny Robertson, EIT’s Head of School, Tourism and Hospitality.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism General Manager Annie Dundas says “It’s wonderful to have an opportunity to celebrate the success and innovation of our local tourism operators through the awards and to help operators up-skill and keep pace with the latest tourism developments through the conference.”

Additional information about entering, attending or sponsoring the tourism awards and tourism conference is available from Hawke’s Bay Tourism enquire@hawkesbaytourism.co.nz

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