‘One in a million manager’Abbot wins
‘‘His whole team loves is his down to earth and supportive nature.’’
The general manager of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Graeme Abbot, has won the Tourism Industry Champion Award at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.
The Award was presented to Graeme at a gala dinner in Auckland last night.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa’s marketing manager Shane Adcock said the whole team was elated.
‘‘Graeme is a one in a million manager – his business achievements speak for themselves but what his whole team loves is his down to earth and supportive nature.’’
‘‘He’s a typical humble kiwi and we knew he’d never put his hand up for such an award – so we secretly entered him. It was a bit of an ambush but it worked!’’
Graeme has been general manager of the award-winning pools and spa complex for 15 years. During his tenure:
The complex has physically grown in size by 50%
Visitor numbers have risen from 380,000 to 520,000 people per year
Turnover has risen from $4 million to $11 million per annum
Environmental efficiency has increased with the business now saving 100 million litres of thermal water and 431,914 kilowatts of energy every year.
‘‘Graeme also sits on the boards of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Board and MainPower and assists numerous organisations and businesses – particularly in Hanmer Springs. He is very well-respected and a long list of people supported our nomination of him,’’ says Shane Adock.
Graeme said he was delighted to get the award.
‘‘I was really surprised when I found out the team was nominating me.’’
‘‘I am very lucky to work for one of the most fantastic attractions in New Zealand’s most beautiful alpine spa village. The complex has grown enormously in the last 15 years – that’s not just down to me, it’s a team effort. I’m very touched the team thinks I deserve some recognition though!’’
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa was also a finalist for the Business Excellence Award (for businesses with an annual turnover of $6 million). Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours won that category.