"This is the first time I have applied for these awards so I already feel like a winner even getting to this stage. It's all new for us but everyone was ecstatic when I told them the news."
The 28 finalists will compete for awards in two individual categories and eight business categories.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said the awards were all about celebrating industry success.
"New Zealand's tourism industry is enjoying rampant growth - it's the country's most valuable export industry and in total generates $30 billion in annual visitor spend.
"These prestigious awards recognise the individuals and businesses doing an outstanding job, generating economic wealth and supporting jobs in communities throughout the country."
Mr Roberts said the finalists showcased the industry's diversity.
"They come from Paihia to Queenstown, range from big corporates to small, locally-based businesses and cover the many sectors that make up this exciting industry - from ski fields to campervan rentals to a tour company specialising in Chinese independent travellers.
"We have several finalists who have been in business for decades and others who have established themselves as industry leaders in a matter of years."
The winners will be announced at a black-tie dinner in Auckland on Thursday
September 29. The winner of the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award will receive international air travel to any Air New Zealand destination valued at $10,000 to help grow their tourism business.
Awards finalists
Emerging Tourism Leader Award, supported by PATA New Zealand Trust
• Jared Adams - Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park, Rotorua
• Bradley Garnett - SKYCITY Entertainment Group, Auckland
Tourism Industry Champion Award, supported by Sudima Hotels & Resorts
• Graeme Abbot - Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, Hanmer
• Olivier Lacoua - CQ Hotels Wellington, Wellington
• Lisa Li - China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd, Auckland
Business Excellence Award - annual turnover less than $6 million, supported by Westpac
• Auckland Seaplanes, Auckland
• Black Cat Cruises, Christchurch
• Takaro Trails Cycle Tours, Napier
Business Excellence Award - annual turnover more than $6 million, supported by JLT & AIG
• CQ Hotels Wellington, Wellington
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, Hanmer
• Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours, Matamata
• NZSki Ltd, Queenstown
Environmental Tourism Award, supported by Mercury Energy
• Rotorua Canopy Tours, Rotorua
• The Langham Auckland, Auckland
• thl - Tourism Holdings Ltd, Auckland
Industry Alignment Award, supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
• AA Traveller - The New Zealand Cycle Trail Guide, Auckland
• Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd, Auckland
• Destination Rotorua, Rotorua
Maori Cultural Tourism Award, supported by Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development
• TIME Unlimited Tours, Auckland
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Paihia
Tourism 2025 Enabler Award, supported by Auckland Airport
• Angus & Associates Ltd, Wellington
• FORWARD Insight & Strategy, Auckland
Tourism Marketing Campaign Award, supported by Spark Business
• Haka Tours Ltd, Auckland
• Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours, Matamata
• The Department of Conservation & Air New Zealand
Visitor Experience Award, supported by ServiceIQ
• Haka Tours Ltd, Auckland
• Rainbow's End Theme Park, Auckland
• Rotorua Canopy Tours, Rotorua
