Top Tour Operators Recognised by Industry
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AOT New Zealand was named as the Inbound Tour Operator of the Year, while Southern Discoveries received the ITOC Operator of the Year Award, at the annual Inbound Tour Operator Council (ITOC) awards night. This is the second time the Inbound Tour Operator of the Year title has been awarded, with ITOC Allied Members nominating operators who were then judged on their innovation, marketing, business operation, communications/accessibility and payment practices.
AOT New Zealand is a part of the AOT Group which works as inbound operators for New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific. Networking with existing and potential new allied supplier partners is a valued part of their ITOC membership. Operating a seven day a week reservations centre and one of the most sophisticated travel trade booking engines in the world, AOT New Zealand has a tremendous range of New Zealand travel product – from accommodation and tours to car hire, events, attractions and activities. They have the ability to tailor holidays to suit all travellers' needs.
SOUTHERN DISCOVERIES, Queenstown
Operating since 1960, Southern Discoveries rebranded from Milford Sound Red Boats after it was purchased by the Skeggs Group in late 2008. Southern Discoveries have expanded their business during the past few years, most recently with the purchase of a 50% shareholding in Kawarau Jet and the purchase of Queenstown Fishing Guides and Charters. Plans for further expansion in the Queenstown market are underway with consent granted to operate a 150 seat catamaran on Lake Wakatipu, visiting Mt Nicholas Station and allowing for conference and incentive opportunities.
ATTTO – Ambassador Award
ATTTO's 2011 Tourism Training Ambassador Award was awarded to Cici Huang, Tourism New Zealand's China Market Development Coordinator, at the ITOC Awards.
Ms Huang is part of the team responsible for ensuring New Zealand delivers high-quality tour experiences to Chinese visitors travelling to New Zealand on Approved Destination Status (ADS) visas. As part of her role, she has assisted more than 150 tour guides to complete training with ATTTO and gain ADS tour guide accreditation.
ITOC Background:
The Inbound Tour Operators Council of NZ was founded in 1971 and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It represents 250 tour operators and suppliers throughout the country who package, distribute and market New Zealand tourism products and services internationally.
