Hotel Industry Conference positions for the future

Hotel Industry Conference positions for the future

Tourism’s role in helping New Zealand’s economy grow faster was recognized in Prime Minister John Key’s opening address at today’s 4th annual New Zealand Hotel Industry conference with the announcement of an additional commitment of $30 million funding for the tourism industry.

While overseas speakers and attendees commented that having the Prime Minister of New Zealand as Tourism Minister would be the envy of many countries around the world, they also highlighted the importance of maximizing the opportunities of the increased funding and for the industry to work together more effectively.

Anna Pollock, CEO of Desticorp UK, challenged hotel and tourism operators to deliver consistently on the 100% Pure promise in an increasingly environmentally-aware world where customers were seeking creative and authentic visitor experiences. She said operators have been forced through more open pricing, driven by the internet, to commoditise their products and services and now need to work to reverse the trend.

Other keynote speeches were given by Kevin Bowler, CEO of Tourism New Zealand, who highlighted the opportunities provided by social media in influencing potential visitors and Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, Sydney, who discussed the strategic value of new airline alliances.

Three inaugural Hotel Industry Awards were also presented at the conference, co-hosted by the New Zealand Hotel Council, Horwath HTL and Simpson Grierson.

The Senior Hotel Executive of the Year Award was presented to Zane Boon by Associate Minister of Tourism, Hon Jonathan Coleman. Mr Boon has a career of managing hotels in Australia and New Zealand, and is currently a Regional Manager for Accor Hospitality.

The Young Hotel Executive of the Year Award was presented to Amber Margrain, Talent and Mobility Manager for Accor Hospitality, managing career and succession planning for more than 250 supervisory and management employees in 28 hotels throughout New Zealand – as well as recruiting and developing new graduates.

The Ministry of Tourism Innovation in Sustainability Award was won by The Langham Auckland hotel, in relation to design aspects of the newly opened Great Room at the hotel, as part of an ongoing culture of implementing sustainable environmental business practices throughout the hotel’s operations.

Chair of the New Zealand Hotel Council, and spokesperson for the conference hosts, Jennie Langley, says “it is thrilling to recognise outstanding talent in our hotel industry, which is very much focused on people, and particularly appropriate to recognise Zane Boon and Amber Margrain who are so involved in recruiting, training and developing our industry talent.”

Ms Langley said “The Langham Auckland has taken a leadership position in relation to implementing operational and design improvements focused on increasing environmental sustainability, and it is good to recognise and reward this leadership.”

ENDS

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