2 May 2008
For immediate release
Search underway for exceptional young tourism professional
Entries for the 2008 PATA Young Tourism Professional Award now called for
Members of the New Zealand tourism industry are being encouraged to nominate their rising stars for the 2008 PATA Young
Tourism Professional Award.
The Award is part of the Tourism Industry Awards, managed by the Tourism Industry Association, and recognises aspiring
young individuals who are paving the way in the tourism sector. The winner of the award will receive a grant of $1,500
from the PATA NZ Trust to advance their professional development.
PATA NZ Trust Chairperson Neil Plimmer says: “Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing industries, but that brings
with it a number of challenges. Succeeding in an environment where there are massive cross-currents of change, from the
uptake of online marketing to real concerns about our environmental footprint, demands a new generation of tourism
professional. This award is about recognising and encouraging this next generation of young professionals from the
tourism sector to grow their talents in one of our country's most dynamic industries.”
The PATA Young Tourism Professional Award is open to those working in the tourism industry under the age of 35 at the
closing date for entries into the award, 26 June 2008. Finalists will be announced on 15 July, with the winner of the
award recognised at a celebratory dinner following the Tourism Industry Conference 2008.
Jason Dell, executive chef at Blanket Bay Luxury Alpine Resort and 2007 award winner, says the award was a huge
accomplishment for him.
“Today’s professional chefs are a new generation of cultural explorers, striving to promote and showcase the best New
Zealand has to offer. This Award confirmed that my pursuit for culinary excellence had and has a clear purpose and that
our high standards at Blanket Bay are being achieved and maintained.”
2006 award recipient Melissa Crockett, a director of Potiki Adventures, says the recognition the award gave her made a
huge difference to her burgeoning business.
“Setting up my own business offering visitor experiences that have a Maori perspective was incredibly hard work. I know
that our international visitors really rate what we offer, but having received recognition like this from the New
Zealand tourism industry continues to mean an enormous amount to me.”
Other recipients of the PATA Young Tourism Professional Award include Paul Bingham, CEO of Black Cat Cruises; Chris
Lamers, former General Marketing Manager of Positively Wellington Tourism; Malcolm Johns, CEO of Intercity Group
Limited; Richard Wilson, formerly Tourism Holdings Group; and Simon Douglas, formerly Ministry of Tourism.
For more information and to download the Official Entry Form visit the Tourism Industry Awards website
www.tourismawards.co.nz.
About PATA NZ Trust
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) is a Bangkok-based international organisation committed to sustainable growth and
development of the global tourism industry.
The PATA NZ Trust is associated with PATA and managed by a board of New Zealanders committed to professionalism in
tourism.
The PATA Young Tourism Professional Award is part of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) annual Tourism
Industry Awards.
The Award includes a grant of $1,500 from the PATA NZ Trust to advance the professional development of emerging talent
in the New Zealand tourism industry.
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