Award recognises outstanding contribution to holiday parks

Award recognises outstanding contribution to holiday parks

Outstanding efforts to support holiday park operators have earned the holiday park sector’s highest award for Geoff Ensor of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

Mr Ensor, TIA Advocacy Manager and Chairman of the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum, was presented with the Outstanding Service to the Holiday Park Industry Award at an awards dinner in Queenstown tonight.

Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of NZ (HAPNZ) Chief Executive Fergus Brown says Mr Ensor has demonstrated consistent support for the holiday parks sector on a range of issues, helping raise the sector’s profile.

“The judges said Geoff was generous with his time, not only during business hours but with the personal time he gives up to develop relationships with holiday park people. He is highly respected within the tourism industry and within Government circles and enjoys excellent and effective working relationships with all stakeholders.”

Mr Ensor was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum in 2007, successfully uniting a range of organisations and businesses with interests in camping. The ‘Where can I camp?’ campaign and associated website www.camping.org.nz have resulted in fewer complaints about unacceptable behaviour by campers, while encouraging them to use holiday parks, Department of Conservation camp grounds and other designated camping sites.

Mr Ensor was also awarded honorary membership of HAPNZ, along with outgoing AA Tourism Chief Executive Peter Blackwell.

AA Spirit of Hospitality Award
A newly refurbished holiday park has won the AA Spirit of Hospitality Award for Excellence in Holiday Parks.

Waitaki Waters Holiday Park (Oamaru) scooped the award from five other finalists.

Mr Brown says this is the supreme award for holiday parks and the winner demonstrates fantastic and genuine customer service.

Owner Derek Chapple purchased the park in 2010 and since then has made a range of improvements, achieving a100% increase in occupancy He consistently ensures all park visitors are treated to high levels of hospitality and service.

The finalists for the Award were Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park, Smiths Farm Holiday Park (Picton), Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park Creeksyde, Nelson City Holiday Park and All Seasons Holiday Park (Rotorua).

Reserve Group Innovation Award
Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park for building a climbing wall over its swimming pool, introducing a linen trolley which streamlines handling of park linen and creating a children’s activity page for its younger customers.

Highly commended: Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park, Big Bay Holiday Park, Campervan Park Auckland Airport, Fox Glacier Holiday Park, Lake Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Resort, Raglan Kopua Holiday Park and Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort.

Qualmark & THL Maui Britz Most Improved Licence Holder
Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park which achieved the biggest percentage increase in their last Qualmark assessment score. The park jumped a full star rating to four stars.

Seekom Innovation in Online Marketing Award
Waihi Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park which has partnered with a central Auckland cafe to promote the park on i-pads provided for customer use.

Highly commended: Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort and Fox Glacier Holiday Park & Motels.

Jasons Smart Business Award
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort which has successfully implemented a wide range of marketing initiatives to attract visitors to the park.

Highly commended: Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park

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