Sue, Bill and Katie Nimon owners of Nimon celebrate their Supreme Award win.
Sue, Bill and Katie Nimon owners of Nimon celebrate their Supreme Award win.
The Hawke's Bay Tourism awards were announced in a lavish affair hosted by Outrageous Fortune star Shane Cortese at East Pier last night.
About 200 Hawke's Bay tourism providers and industry members gathered at East Pier Hotel for the fourth annual Hawke's Bay Tourism Industry Awards.
New Zealand actor, singerand performer Mr Cortese ensured the night was full of fun and glamour as the regional tourism industry celebrated local tourism businesses delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
The awards were open to Hawke's Bay Tourism members across all tourism sectors and over 50 entries were received.
The entry process was rigorous and included entrants completing a comprehensive questionnaire and presenting their business plan.
Entries were then judged by an independent panel comprising Hon Craig Foss, MP for Tukituki; Wayne Walford, CEO Chamber of Commerce; Liz Read, managing director of consultancy firm Reputation Matters and Katherine Halliday, business, marketing and event consultant.
Nimon and Sons Ltd were the big winners on the night, taking out the Supreme Tourism Award.
"We are very proud for the district, our staff and the tourists." Mr Nimon said. "We think the fact we have been around for 110 years, we hope we know Hawke's Bay better than anyone." Ms Katie Nimon said.
More than 600 people cast votes for 50 of Hawke's Bay's tourism businesses. The awards were led by Hawke's Bay Tourism in conjunction with its parent group the Hawke's Bay Tourism Industry Association.
Hawke's Bay Tourism General Manager Annie Dundas said she was delighted to see such great industry engagement and support of each other because it's important to take time to acknowledge and celebrate local businesses.
"Our local businesses work so hard to deliver amazing experiences for visitors to Hawke's Bay.
"The winners here tonight play a pivotal part in doing that and are well deserving of their accolades," Ms Dundas said.
