Six Holiday Parks in running for hospitality award

Media Release: 03 June 2011

Six Holiday Parks in running for hospitality award

The Automobile Association and the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ) today announced this year’s finalists for the AA Spirit of Hospitality Award for Excellence in Holiday Parks.

Four of the six Holiday Parks are located in the South Island – Smiths Farm Holiday Park (Picton), Lorneville Holiday Park (Invercargill), All Seasons Holiday Park (Christchurch) and Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park “Creeksyde” (Queenstown). Ruakaka Reserve Motor Camp (Ruakaka) and Beachaven Motel and Holiday Park (Waihi) are the two North Island contenders.

Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand Chief Executive Fergus Brown says he’s delighted to see such a mix of finalists, both big and small parks, competing for the top award.

“This year’s finalists are from as far north as Ruakaka and as far south as Invercargill. Given the events over the past eight months, it is pleasing to see a Christchurch park amongst our finalists too,” says Mr Brown.

“The AA Spirit of Hospitality Award is our top award, reflecting the importance we place on customer service. Each of our finalists provides a great example of how to add value to a business through excellent hospitality,” he says.

AA Tourism General Manager Marketing Rebecca Cherry says the tourism industry, including the accommodation sector, is constantly being reviewed by travellers online so it is vital that operators maintain a high level of customer service and professionalism.

“Our online traveller review site, ‘Been There’, now has over 10,000 accommodation reviews, representing more than 1,200 properties, which demonstrates the importance that travellers are placing on choosing the right place to stay, and providing their own review based on their experience,” says Ms Cherry.

“Been There reflects the high standards set by Holiday Parks throughout New Zealand, so finding the top six is no easy task. I congratulate all our finalists and all the other Holiday Parks who are consistently providing excellent customer service,” says Ms Cherry.

The winner will be announced at the Holiday Parks Conference in Wellington on Friday 8 July.

ENDS

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