Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Awards - Finalists Announced

Tourism businesses in Hawke’s Bay have put their best foot forward for the 2017 Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Awards. The finalists have been selected from over 25 entries. They are:

The 2017 Finalists

Art Deco Trust
Black Rose Limousine
Clearview Estate Winery
Cottages on St Andrews
Craggy Range Winery
Kennedy Park Resort
Millar Road
MTG
Napier City Bike Hire and Tours
Odyssey NZ
Pipi
Planit Events
Prinsys Tours
Red Bridge Coffee

These awards, recognising local tourism providers delivering exceptional visitor experiences, are open to Hawke’s Bay Tourism Partner programme members across all tourism sectors.

The entry process was rigorous and included entrants completing a comprehensive questionnaire and presenting their business plan. Entries were then judged by an independent panel made up of Fenton Wilson Hawke’s Bay Regional Council & HBT Board Member, Wayne Walford-CEO Chamber of Commerce, Liz Read-Managing Director of Consultancy Firm Reputation Matters and Oscar Nathan-General Manager of Destination Rotorua.

Wayne Walford, CEO Chamber of Commerce said “As Hawke’s Bay continues to develop and mature the process of deciding a winning tourism product for each of the categories for the annual HBTIA is becoming harder. Having new and exciting quintessential Hawkes Bay businesses added to the tourism landscape is exciting. 2017 was no exception, it was tough - we are clearly spoilt for choice as tourism operators ‘up their game’ and build strategic sustainability and resilience into their businesses.

The judged award categories were; the Visitor Experience Awards sponsored by Hastings District Council, Small and Large Accommodation Awards sponsored by Central Linen Services, the Innovation Award sponsored by Napier City Council and the Essence of Hawke’s Bay Award sponsored by Indelible. A Supreme Award winner, sponsored by EIT, will then be selected from the four category winners.

Back by popular demand is “The People’s Choice” award, sponsored by The Hits Radio Station where members of the public will vote for their favourite tourism business. Voting for this award is open now at http://www.thehits.co.nz/win/hawkes-bay/win-with-the-hits-peoples-choice-award-2017/ until mid-night 22nd of August.

Hawke’s Bay Tourism General Manager Annie Dundas says “It’s wonderful to have an opportunity to celebrate the success and innovation of our local tourism operators through the awards”.

Winners of the four categories, Supreme Award and the People’s Choice Award will be announced at a celebratory event at the Napier Conference Centre on the 24th of August.

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