3 August 2011
New Clefs d’Or South Island Delegate Conflicted over Rugby
Newly elected Les Clefs d’Or South Island delegate Fiona Lawson is committed to supporting Christchurch as New Zealand’s
gateway to the south, but is having trouble knowing who to back when the Crusaders play the Highlanders.
When Fiona, like most of her colleagues at Crowne Plaza Christchurch, found herself without a trading hotel following
February quakes, Crowne Plaza Queenstown leapt at the opportunity to embrace Fiona as Chief Concierge. Hence the issue
of which rugby team to support.
Holding Les Clefs d’Or keys for over five years, Fiona loves tourism and is passionate about providing exceptional
customer service. In her new Clefs d’Or delegate role, she’s responsible for securing sponsorship for the 2013 Les Clefs
d’Or International Congress, but is personally committed to sending the message that Christchurch is getting back on its
feet when the Congress welcomes the world’s top Concierges.
“400 delegates from some of the greatest hotels in the world are expected to attend the Congress This presents an
awesome opportunity to showcase New Zealand and its many tourism attractions,” she said.
“We also need to send a strong message that Christchurch remains the beautiful gateway to the South and that the South
Island offers visitors the ultimate pure experience all the way from Nelson to Stewart Island.”
“I am delighted to have been appointed the South Island representative of Les Clefs d’Or and am already working towards
ensuring that while Congress is a fantastic event for New Zealand, it also clearly demonstrates ongoing support for
Christchurch.”
Until Fiona returns to Christchurch, Queenstown and Central Otago provide a fantastic home base - apart from the rugby
team issue.
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About Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Crowne Plaza® is The Place to Meet in Queenstown. Whether you’re on holiday, holding a conference, board meeting or
informal get-together, your comfort and enjoyment are paramount. Crowne Plaza Queenstown is a resort hotel offering
contemporary and stylish, accommodation in an outstanding in-town location. The iconic hotel was recently awarded 4.5
stars in its latest Qualmark assessment. Assessors noted its premium accommodation, quality amenities, exceptional staff
and world class facilities. Services include valet car parking, business centre, ski drying room, 24-hr room service and
purpose built Leisure Concierge/Tour desk. Each hotel room has a private balcony offering views of the lake, the
mountains or a private courtyard – accommodation that captures the essence of its beautiful surroundings. This superb
hotel sets the standard for comfort in accommodation in a unique destination, truly making it The Place to Meet in
Queenstown.
About Les Clefs d’Or
Officially registered as U.I.C.H (Union Internationale des Concierge d'Hôtels), Les Clefs d'Or is the world’s only
professional association of hotel concierges. Les Clefs d’Or has over 3,500 members in 42 countries, representing top
four and five star hotels/resorts worldwide.
The 60th International Congress U.I.C.H. Les Clefs d’Or is to be staged in Queenstown, New Zealand in April 2013. At
Congress top concierges gather to review the worldwide business of hospitality, trends and forecasts for the future,
emerging and competitive markets, service and the bottom line, technology and changing roles in guest service and
tourism.