Entries are open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards, returning for 2021 to showcase and celebrate the tourism industry’s
individual and business successes.
Hamilton River aerial (Waikato NZ)
After a 2020 hiatus due to the pandemic, a revised awards programme will see three individual high performers and up to
eight businesses crowned as the very best in the industry.
Winners will be announced at a special awards dinner on 1 September in Hamilton following Tourism Summit Aotearoa,
keeping attendees’ costs down by combining these two unmissable events on the tourism calendar. Both events are
organised by Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says the decision to hold the awards in 2021 came from the tourism operators
themselves.
“While a full awards ceremony didn’t feel appropriate this time last year, our members have told us a return to the
annual celebration in some form would be welcome. We’ve combined some of the previous categories, further simplified the
entry process and won’t be selecting a Supreme Award winner this year.
“We know tourism businesses and individuals are keen to show how they’ve adapted and innovated over the past year, with
the awards dinner bringing a sense of prestige and celebration back to the industry.”
Mr Roberts says TIA is excited to bring Tourism Summit Aotearoa and the New Zealand Tourism Awards to Hamilton. “It’s a
fantastic opportunity to experience the Mighty Waikato as we unpack the strategic direction of the industry during the
day and celebrate tourism’s champions in the evening.”
The three awards for individuals are open to outstanding performers in the industry, and eight awards will recognise
business excellence, industry alignment and organisations that are living the values of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment.
Hamilton & Waikato Chief Executive Jason Dawson says he is “thrilled and excited” to be hosting these key tourism events in the
Mighty Waikato.
“Given the significant challenges our industry and businesses have tackled over the past 12 months, the New Zealand
Tourism Awards are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge, learn, reflect and celebrate our achievements together,” he
said.
“This year has shown New Zealand and our communities the innovation and adaptability of our industry. We look forward to
rolling out the welcome mat and putting on a great event!”
The New Zealand Tourism Awards are open to both members and non-members of TIA. Tickets to the New Zealand Tourism
Awards dinner will be available to purchase soon.
Categories
Awards are open in the following categories and will close at 5pm on 1 July.Resilience and Innovation Award
The Resilience and Innovation Award recognises a business that exemplifies operational business excellence alongside
innovative and creative problem-solving.
Community Engagement Award
The Community Engagement Award recognises a business that is a leader in engaging and supporting vibrant communities.Employer of Choice Award
The Employer of Choice Award recognises a business that has risen to workforce challenges, maintaining a positive and
high performing workplace, with industry leading practices and innovations to retain and recruit staff.
Sponsored by Tourism Talent
Conservation Award
The Conservation Award recognises a tourism business that embraces kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and protection of our
natural, built and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
Sponsored by Department of ConservationEnvironment Award
The Environment Award recognises a tourism business that actively supports and champions environmental initiatives that
reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and generally contribute to enhancing New Zealand’s environment.
Sponsored by Toitū EnvirocareIndustry Collaboration Award
The Industry Collaboration Award recognises a Regional Tourism Organisation, Economic Development Agency, central or
local government agency, research organisation, education provider, sector association, industry business, or group of
two or more businesses that have aligned/partnered to successfully maximise their tourism industry impact and results.
He Kai Kei Aku Ringa Māori Tourism Award
The Māori Tourism Award recognises a commercial tourism business that is delivering an authentic Māori tourism visitor
experience or product, incorporating the tikanga Māori values embedded in the Tourism Sustainability Commitment of
manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga into its business and its visitor offering, and demonstrating
rangatiratanga within the tourism industry.
Sponsored by NZ Māori Tourism
Visitor Experience Award
The Visitor Experience Award recognises a tourism business that is meeting and exceeding the expectations of visitors.
The following categories are open to individuals:Tourism Champion Award
The Tourism Champion Award recognises an outstanding tourism professional who has been in the tourism industry for more
than 10 years.
Sponsored by Marsh
Emerging Tourism Leader Award
The Emerging Tourism Leader Award recognises an outstanding tourism professional who has been in the tourism industry
for less than 10 years.
Sponsored by PATA New Zealand Trust
The Sir Jack Newman Award for Outstanding Industry Leader will also be presented on the night.