“Brilliant” Marlborough i-SITEs win ServiceIQ Staff Development Award
Destination Marlborough’s “Brilliant every day” slogan might also be an apt description of the popular region’s i-SITE
visitor centres in Picton and Blenheim, that were presented as the joint winners of ServiceIQ’s 2015 Staff Professional
Development Award at the national
i-SITE Conference in Whangarei yesterday.
Tracy Johnston, General Manager Destination Marlborough says Marlborough's i-SITE staff are on deck 364 days a year
influencing visitors' travel decisions and encouraging them to spend more time in the region.
She says: "Continued skills development and product knowledge is a high priority for Destination Marlborough. I am so
proud of our team's individual commitment and collective achievement."
SeviceIQ Chief Executive Dean Minchington says it’s important to acknowledge the contribution that a commitment to
continued education makes in the tourism visitor centres.
“Tourism is a leading industry for New Zealand. Well-trained i-SITE staff, who deal directly with visitors from New
Zealand and all over the world, play a crucial role in providing excellent customer service and promoting the best a
region has to offer,” says Dean.
“They provide visitors with all-important practical information, plus planning and booking services essential for a
smooth trip. But they also inspire people by revealing unique local insights, activities and special attractions that
have the power to transform a visit into a truly memorable experience. This kind of service translates into great
reviews, recommendations and increased business for the region and New Zealand tourism as a whole.”
The Picton and Blenheim i-SITEs won this year’s award for high levels of achievement in on-going education, with five
staff in the last year gaining a range of national qualifications in tourism and retail, up to management level.
The winners received vouchers covering the training costs for two staff to complete a National Certificate in Tourism
Aotearoa Level 3 qualification.
ServiceIQ is New Zealand’s official industry training organisation (ITO) for the aviation, hospitality, retail, travel,
tourism and museum sectors.
We design training programmes that increase skills, knowledge and professionalism in the workplace and champion customer
service excellence across the sectors we serve. Skilled staff help businesses remain competitive and New Zealand to be
internationally recognised as a great place to live or visit.
ENDS