NZ tops Australia in UK Tourism Awards

Tuesday 5 September 2006

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NZ tops Australia in UK Tourism Awards

New Zealand has been voted second-best country in the world by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller (UK) magazine.

Announced last night in London, the awards are the result of a vote from readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, the demographic of which includes some of the most affluent and influential travellers in the UK.

Thirty thousand readers voted in the awards, naming Italy top country with a score of 95.57 out of a possible 100, followed by New Zealand (94.81) and Australia (94.44).

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton says the award is a symbol of the success of New Zealand’s positioning as a quality destination.

“New Zealand is now a regular feature in the lists of the most prestigious magazines in the world,” says Mr Hickton. “We are still a small player on the world ‘tourism stage’, but by consistently appearing in these sorts of awards and reader votes, we are showing that our tourism offering matches up, or exceeds, the best that the world has to offer.”

Huka Lodge was voted 5th in the Australasia & Pacific Lodge category, with Blanket Bay coming in 12th and Wharekauhau 19th. Air New Zealand was sixth in the long-haul airline category and Polynesian Spa in Rotorua was 15th in the Destination Spa category.

Condé Nast Traveller magazine recently gained their highest-ever circulation figures of 84,737.

ENDS

www.tourismnewzealand.com www.newzealand.com

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