Tourism leadership recognised
A South Canterbury woman has been nominated for one of New Zealand’s most prestigious awards in the world of tourism.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa announced on Tuesday twenty-four leading tourism operators and stakeholders as finalists in the 2017 New Zealand Tourism Awards – the $35 billion tourism industry’s most prestigious awards.
Earth & Sky Tekapo general manager Margaret Munro was named as one of three finalists in the PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award.
Munro has been with Earth & Sky since 2008 and said it was the first time she or the company had been nominated for a New Zealand-wide award.
‘‘It’s really exciting, I’m really proud to have the company feature, everyone has been working very hard, to get a really reputative attraction in this region,’’ she said.
The nomination was recognising ‘‘perfection in the work and the direction of the company’’, she said.
She said she was proud of Earth & Sky, and said the business was a good thing for Lake Tekapo, South Canterbury and South Island tourism.
‘‘It’s something unique and iconic for the region, a point of identity for the region,’’ she said.
Earth & Sky co-owner Graeme Murray said ‘‘we’re very proud of our Margaret’’.
He said Munro had been a part of many milestones in the company, driving the whole development of Earth & Sky, which included building the business from five staff members to more than 70 during the summer season.
He said the success of the company was a credit to Munro.
Construction of Earth & Sky’s new headquarters, another milestone for the business, is expected to start in December this year, with an expected opening date in December 2018, as part of the Tekapo Lakefront Development.
Regional tourism body Christchurch New Zealand convention bureau and industry partnership manager Caroline Blanchfield said Earth & Sky was a ‘‘major tourism product’’ and an ‘‘iconic driver’’ for tourism in the Mackenzie District.
She was ‘‘thrilled’’ about the company, and Munro, receiving a nomination.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said finalists would compete for awards in two individ- ual categories categories.
‘‘These prestigious awards celebrate the industry’s success and recognise the individuals and businesses doing an outstanding job, generating economic wealth and supporting jobs in communities throughout the country,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s really pleasing to see the competition for the New Zealand Tourism Awards is growing stronger every year.
‘‘New Zealand’s tourism industry is enjoying unprecedented growth.’’
The winners of the New Zealand Tourism Awards will be announced at a blacktie dinner in Christchurch on Thursday, September 7. and eight business