Media Release

2013 Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Award winners announced

Last night over 150 local tourism businesses gathered at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House for the second annual Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Awards. The awards recognise local tourism businesses delivering exceptional visitor experiences and the awards ceremony was the finale to the Regional Tourism Conference which had been held earlier during the day.

Entrants were asked to complete a short questionnaire and present a brief business plan. The independent judging panel was made up of Jenny Robertson, Head of School for Tourism & Hospitality at EIT, Stuart Webster, Board member of the Hawke’s Bay Airport and solicitor from Sainsbury, Logan & Williams, Charlie Ives ,Manager of Regional Tourism Organisations  of New Zealand and Kim Wicksteed, Director, Advice Ltd.

There were five awards up for grabs. Two categories were judged by the panel who then selected an overall Supreme Award Winner from the two category winners.  The 2013 results were:

VJ Distributors Accommodation Award Winner: Black Barn Retreats

2nd place Art Deco Masonic Hotel, 3rd place Hawthorne House

VW Print Visitor Activity Award Winner: Art Deco Trust

2nd place Waimarama Maori Tours, 3rd place Hawke’s Bay Express

2013 Supreme Award Winner: Black Barn Retreats

Newly introduced for this year was the Outstanding Contributor to Tourism Award which was awarded to Graeme Avery from Sileni Estate Winery. Mr Avery was out of the country so the award was accepted on his behalf by his wife Gaby Avery.

Sam Orton, Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association Chairman said “Graeme was instrumental in harnessing Hawke’s Bay’s tourism potential, including launching Hawke’s Bay Wine Country which has evolved into today’s ‘Get me to Hawke’s Bay’ campaign brand. For over 20 years he has supported the industry with resources, infrastructure, financial input and countless hours of personal time and I’m thrilled to be able to celebrate his contributions”

New for 2013 was the Classic Hits People’s Choice Award. This category was open for locals and visitors to vote for their favourite tourism business and over 800 votes were cast for sixty nine different businesses.

The National Aquarium of New Zealand was announced as the overall winner of the People’s Choice Award.

The awards and tourism conference were led by Hawke’s Bay Tourism in conjunction with its parent group the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association (HBTIA).

George Hickton, Hawke’s Bay Tourism Chairman said “It’s important to celebrate achievements within our local tourism industry and to acknowledge those who are running successful businesses and delivering exceptional visitor experiences. The winners here tonight play a pivotal part in doing that and are well deserving of their accolades”

Hawke’s Bay Tourism General Manager Annie Dundas said “We’re

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Black Barn Team

ENDS

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