Dynamic and visionary with annual global turnover of $426 million, multinational recreational vehicle business Tourism Holdings Ltd has won the tourism industry’s highest accolade, the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. The winners of the New Zealand Tourism Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Christchurch on 6 September, attended by more than 400 industry leaders and supporters. thl also won the Auckland Airport Business Excellence Award – more than $6 million annual turnover.
The Awards judges said thl is a global business that can hold its own on the world stage, an amazing success story and exemplar for New Zealand’s tourism industry. Listed on the New Zealand stock exchange, thl looks after more than 200,000 customers a year, operating a global recreational vehicle fleet of more than 6000. Alongside its RV rental and sales operations, it also operates two additional tourism businesses in New Zealand – Discover Waitomo, including Waitomo Glowworm Caves; and Kiwi Experience, a bus network aimed at young backpackers. TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says creating a tremendous crew culture has been integral to thl’s success. Investing in sustainability and innovation are also priorities, including developing electric motorhomes. As part of their Air New Zealand Supreme Award prize, thl receives a prize valued at over $20,000, including $10,000 international air travel and a full-page advertisement in Kia Ora magazine. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the airline is extremely proud to partner with the event once again and to sponsor the Tourism Awards’ Supreme Award for a fourth year.
“With tourism the country’s largest export earner, it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate businesses who are providing outstanding and memorable experiences to visitors to our country and also contributing to New Zealand’s reputation overseas.” Tourism’s most prestigious individual honour, the Horwath HTL Sir Jack Newman Award, went to Kathy Guy, a tourism industry trail-blazer who rose through the ranks from waitress to become one of the first female hotel general managers in New Zealand, successfully leading the Chateau Tongariro Hotel and the Wairakei Resort Taupo. Chris Roberts says this year’s Awards were extremely competitive, a reflection of a thriving industry that is contributing $36 billion to the New Zealand economy and supporting almost 400,000 jobs in communities throughout the country. “Positively, several Award winners are from smaller communities, helping attract visitors to areas off the traditional tourist track. It’s also pleasing to see the focus our business winners are putting on environmental and host community sustainability, as well as financial performance.”
Mr Roberts thanked the Awards Partners, Air New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for their generous support.
MBIE Chief Executive Carolyn Tremain says the Ministry’s tourism policy team works to support the industry to make the biggest contribution it can to New Zealand’s economic success.
“We are really proud to sponsor the awards and celebrate the achievements of the industry. I congratulate all the winners and finalists on their innovative ideas and hard work.”
The New Zealand Tourism Awards 2018 winners:
Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award / Auckland Airport Business Excellence Award – more than $6 million annual turnover
Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl)
Horwath HTL Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award
Kathy Guy
PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award
Luke Taylor, Go Orange, Queenstown
JLT & AIG Tourism Industry Champion Award
Les Morgan, Sudima Hotels and Resorts
Westpac Business Excellence Award – Less than $6 million annual turnover
Owen River Lodge
Department of Conservation Environmental Tourism Award
Kapiti Island Nature Tours
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Industry Alignment Award
Hawke’s Bay Tourism
He Kai Kei Aku Ringa Māori Tourism Award
Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd
The Great Journeys of New Zealand Tourism 2025 Enabler Award
Christchurch Airport
epay NZ Tourism Marketing Award
Air New Zealand
ServiceIQ Visitor Experience Award
GO Rentals
NZME People’s Choice Award
Forgotten World Adventures
