Skyline 'stoked' with award

Skyline Rotorua staff were excited to have won the top Tourism Industry Association award on the weekend. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua tourism has "got its mojo back" after Skyline Rotorua won the top Tourism Industry Association award.

Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said they were able to win the tourism industry's highest accolade, the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Industry Award, as a result of the hard work of the region's tourism industry.

"This is an award for Rotorua Inc.

"Over the last couple of years Rotorua has got its mojo back. This is part of our wider positioning in Rotorua with tourism industry and council support. [it is a result of] Destination Rotorua's marketing success, Famously Rotorua partnerships - all of this helped to give us the confidence to invest.

"It does recognise we are competing against all regions in the country and all category winners so it is really significant to know that Rotorua can do this."

He said the success would have positive effects on Rotorua's tourism, which was already out-performing other regions in guest visitor nights, accommodation levels and electronic card spending.

"This goes to offshore and wholesale agents. We have the support of Air New Zealand. All of those key players are recognised and are working with leading businesses."

He said he felt Skyline was a strong contender to win its category, but had not thought about the top award.

"The supreme award wasn't on the radar but for our category the win was ... with the improvements and effort we have put in."

As part of its prize, Skyline Rotorua received air travel to any Air New Zealand destination in North America, South America or Asia valued at up to $10,000 to help it grow its business.

Mr Thomasen said it was too early to say what they would do with the prize, but a North American sales mission looked likely.

Skyline Rotorua is also a finalist in the Rotorua Business Awards this Saturday.

"We are in a couple of categories for these awards. We are hopeful that we have put our best foot forward."

Skyline success

* Skyline Rotorua won the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Industry Award at the Tourism Industry Association Awards on Friday

* It won air travel to any Air New Zealand destination in North America, South America or
Asia valued at up to $10,000 to help it grow its business

* The awards attracted more than 100 entries