"We've scaled up the awards programme from two or three awards at the end of the Tourism Summit to this year having a stand-alone ceremony with nine business and three individual awards.
"It's all about setting a benchmark of excellence and to celebrate success," Mr Roberts said.
Destination Rotorua marketing general manager Oscar Nathan said Rotorua had been successful in the awards in the past.
"It's great to have the awards back, because they are something where the industry can really get together and celebrate success with everyone. Destination Rotorua and its forerunner Tourism Rotorua, we were a distinction award winner at the tourism awards, so we actually won it three times, so we had to stand down for two years anyway.
"I think having the awards back is sensational. It is a night the industry can celebrate success."
Polynesia Spa chief executive Gert Taaljard was looking forward to the awards.
"I think it's an incentive for businesses to be recognised in the area of excellence and in the area of providing a product that your particular segment of the industry or country can be proud of."
-Entries for the 2015 New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards open on June 1. The winners will be announced at a dinner in Auckland on October 2. For more information visit www.tourismawards.co.nz.
