Inaugural YoungTec Excellence Award Winner!

Inaugural Young Tec Excellence Award Winner!

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand announced last night at the national tourism conference awards event held at the Claudelands Event Centre, the winner of the inaugural Young TEC Excellence award with Dylan Rushbrook, Director of International Sales SKYCITY Hotels as the first recipient.

As the winner he receives a sponsored prize of:

• Two week professional development placement in one of Tourism New Zealand’s international offices
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• Return economy flights sponsored by Air New Zealand
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• Accommodation at an Accor Hotel Property
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• $1,000 spending money from Tourism Export Council for overseas expenses

The award recognises the outstanding efforts and contribution to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry by a Young TEC member under the age of 36 years whose company is a Tourism Export Council member. Applicants had to, in a written submission, outline their key achievements to date, how the achievements contributed to the growth of their company, what their personal professional ambition was and share their vision of the tourism industry in 10-15 years’ time. The written submissions were scored by four judges to select three finalists.

The finalists, who were Dylan Rushbrook - SKYCITY Hotels, Judy Chen – Grand Chancellor Hotels and Loren Heaphy of Nelson Tasman Tourism, had to attend an interview with the judges who then selected the winner based on their responses to key questions and leadership potential.

President Martin Horgan of the Tourism Export Council and Head Judge is enthused and says “the judges were impressed with the calibre of the finalists and all three have contributed in meaningful and measureable ways to their businesses. The award and prize is an amazing opportunity for our young people to plan for a long career in tourism and demonstrates the Tourism Export Council’s commitment to succession planning and professional development of our future tourism leaders. We are very grateful to our sponsors Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand and Accor Hotels who didn’t hesitate when approached to support this award.”

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says it’s fantastic to see the industry identify and support the people who will shape its future. “Through programmes like Young TEC and this new award, the industry is really embracing the new ideas and fresh perspective that comes from the younger generation of tourism professionals.

“Acknowledging success and providing ongoing professional development are core parts of Tourism New Zealand’s culture so we are pleased to be able to offer our support to the Young TEC Excellence Award”.

The judges were:

Martin Horgan – Tourism Export Council; Deborah Gray - Tourism New Zealand; Jenny Simpson – Air New Zealand and John Farrell – Accor Hotels.

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