News Release: Wednesday 22 August 2012
Top tour operators recognised by industry
Two of New Zealand’s top tour operators have been recognised as the best in the business by their industry peers at an
awards dinner held at Shantytown on the West Coast.
Pacific Destinationz was named as the Inbound Tour Operator of the Year, while the Scenic Hotel Group received the Operator of the Year Award, at the annual Tourism Export Council awards night. Inbound tour operators
nominate allied supplier members and allied members nominate inbound tour operators. The groups are judged on their
innovation, marketing, business operation, communications, accessibility and industry relationships. The Board then
assesses those nominated based on a points system to choose three finalists and it goes back out to the respective
member groups to vote for the winners.
Pacific Destinationz – “Inbound Tour Operator of the Year” 2012
Pacific Destinationz Limited is a wholly New Zealand owned company operating as a wholesale inbound tour company in New
Zealand and Fiji. Relationships and partnership with New Zealand accommodation, transport and sightseeing providers is
critical to any successful operation. Pacific Destinationz has always highly valued these relationships and fully
realise that without their support they would be unable to achieve standards of excellence. Pacific Destinationz offers
a full range of product to all markets but has tended to concentrate in developing markets such as Southern Europe and
South America. With a stable committed team with multiple language skills, the company fully realise this award is true
recognition of the outstanding work of the “PD family”. As a finalist for the past three consecutive years, the
Management and staff are truly honoured and humble in accepting the award.
Scenic Hotel Group – “Tour Operator of the Year” 2012
Scenic Hotel Group is the largest New Zealand owned and operated hotel chain. Formerly Scenic Circle, the Group
rebranded in 2009 and consists of the Qualmark 3-star Heartland Hotels, 4-star Scenic Hotels and the 5-star Te Waonui
Forest Retreat. Multi-million dollar annual investments in refurbishment, renovation and expansion, and a dedication to
the best New Zealand suppliers and products keeps the Group at the forefront of domestic and international tourism.
Family values driven by the entrepreneurial and philanthropic Hagaman family underpin the highest levels of service and
commitment to the best in tourism and hospitality. The Scenic Hotel group and team are ‘delighted’ to be recognised by
their industry peers and business partners in accepting this award.
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