Tourism Bay of Plenty has won the inaugural Regional Tourism New Zealand Supreme Award.
The Regional Tourism New Zealand's inaugural Awards were announced at a cocktail function in Auckland on Wednesday. The supreme award recognised the Regional Tourism Organisation that achieved the most significant results in the last year, with Tourism Bay of Plenty named a stand out recipient in 2018.
Tourism Bay of Plenty achieved the levels of funding required to incorporate a destination management element into their organisation as well as continuing to promote their region as a visitor destination.
Regional Tourism New Zealand executive officer Charlie Ives said Tourism Bay of Plenty's transformation into a destination management organisation was no easy feat.
"They recognised the need to take tourism in their region to the next level, connecting with the local community along the way to look for long term solutions to managing tourism growth in a sustainable way," he said.
"Tourism Bay of Plenty had the vision and determination to see change through and were not afraid to ask for help and guidance at crucial points along the way."
In May 2018, Tourism Bay of Plenty was granted a 48 per cent boost in council funding.
The $620,000 annual increase over the next 10 years was part of the Tauranga City Council's Long-Term Plan bringing the organisations combined annual funding to $1.9 million.
This funding made it possible for the organisation to be the first region outside Auckland to become a destination management organisation.
Toursim Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne said the award endorsed the region's 10 year strategy as "leading the way".
"We were thrilled to be recognised by our peers at Regional Tourism New Zealand," she said.
"It should give the region real confidence in the plan Tourism Bay of Plenty are now implementing to grow tourism to the benefit of our community."
Dunne presented her insights and vision to other Regional Tourism Organisations and Economic Development Agencies at today's Tourism connect conference.
"TBOP's strategy is seen as an exemplar within the sector and will assist many other regions who are embarking on a move to destination management," she said.
Regional Tourism New Zealand Awards 2018 winners:
Regional Tourism New Zealand Supreme Award: Tourism Bay of Plenty
Best Industry Collaboration Award: Destination Marlborough
Finalists: Venture Southland, Destination Great Lake Taupo
Qualmark Advocacy Award: Destination Fiordland
Finalists: Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Tourism Bay of Plenty
Best Domestic Tourism Performance Award: Lake Wanaka Tourism
Finalists: Destination Queenstown, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism
RTO Online Performance: Destination Coromandel
Finalists: Destination Great Lake Taupo, Lake Wanaka Tourism