11 October, 2015
More accolades at Rotorua Business Awards top off huge year for Skyline Rotorua
A huge year for Skyline Rotorua has been topped off by winning the Supreme Award at the Westpac Rotorua Business
Excellence Awards last night.
Skyline Rotorua took away category wins at the Business Awards for the Rotorua Monthly Visitor Guide Hospitality and
Attractions Business Award and the AMI Insurance Social Responsibility Award.
The accolades come just a week after being announced the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Industry Association Award
winner, and follows wins at the Rotorua Hospitality Awards and NZChef National Salon earlier this year.
Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen says the awards are testament to several years of investment, product
development and dedication by the team.
“We’re celebrating 30 years in business this year and crucial to our success has been the drive to innovate and improve
the customer experience, while fostering partnerships and driving opportunities,” he explains.
Skyline Rotorua has undergone a significant transformation since 2012 with investment including the complete
refurbishment and renovation of Stratosfare Restaurant and the Food Market Kitchen; opening the Zoom Zipline, Jelly
Belly Store and Volcanic Hills Winery; developing nature trails and the Mountain Bike Gravity Park, while also hosting
the Crankworx Rotorua Mountain Biking Festival and the TRENZ Farewell Function.
Mr Thomasen says Skyline Rotorua has had the confidence to invest following the sector’s recovery from the global
financial crisis and with support from the Rotorua Lakes Council.
“Destination Rotorua’s Famously Rotorua campaign has provided a foundation for growth, showcasing industry leadership
with everyone working together to grow Rotorua’s brand, appeal and visitor numbers,” he explains.
Mr Thomasen also gives recognition to Government’s significant commitment to sustainable tourism growth, with
investments such as the Tourism Growth Partnership Fund and New Zealand Major Events.
“The level of commitment from Government propelled us forward to invest in and build an international level mountain
bike Gravity Park, which in turn led to securing the world’s largest mountain biking festival Crankworx Rotorua.”
Hosted at Skyline Rotorua, the city is now the third stop of the Crankworx World Tour including Canada and France,
solidifying Rotorua as one of the world’s best mountain biking destinations.
TIA chief executive Chris Roberts says Skyline Rotorua's comprehensive strategy hits all the key points within the
industry's Tourism 2025 growth framework, including generating the growth of shoulder-season tourism, productivity for
profit and delivering an outstanding visitor experience.
ENDS