Focus on size pays off for tour operator

Focus on size pays off for tour operator.

Christchurch, New Zealand - 10 November, 2014 - Local tour operator Haka Tours has won big, taking home two significant travel awards within a few days.

On November 6 it won the award for New Zealand’s Best Tour at the Golden Backpacker Awards. The awards, held annually in Australia celebrate the best tourism businesses across Australia and New Zealand. For the first time a secret shopper was used to asses finalists, and Haka Tours which prides itself on being 100% New Zealand owned and operated, came out on top.

Founder Ryan Sanders says the awards "reflect their small group travel philosophy" which sees Haka Tours taking groups of just 10-12 people on guided tours of New Zealand.

"Being part of a small group, allows our tour groups to form a close knit bond, and provides our kiwi tour guides with the time and flexibility to get to know, and tailor the tour to suit the needs of different people"

The company followed this up on November 10, by beating over 4,000 local tourism businesses to claim the Rankers Supreme Award, for the third year in succession. Rankers, a dedicated New Zealand traveller review website, have awards that are unique because their team interview tourists face to face in order to rank different operators.

The fact that the two awards were not based solely on online reviews was a big attraction. Sanders says in the “often cut-throat world of online reviews his competitors can generate "thousands more reviews than Haka Tours because they are so much bigger”

But with the introduction of a mystery shopper for the Golden Backpack awards, and the fact that Rankers interview tourists face to face, “it means everyone is competing on a level playing field"

The two awards complete a significant period for the business which saw it named as the Supreme Award Winner at the recent Canterbury Business Awards, as well as its Queenstown hostel, Haka Lodge being named as one of the top 3 in Oceania for 2-14 by global hostel site, HostelBookers

Sanders, a former professional rugby player turned tourism entrepreneur says while his company is focussed on growth, it will always retain its award winning philosophy that small group tours are the best way for overseas visitors looking for a tour around New Zealand. With tongue firmly in cheek he says that when it comes to tour groups 'size matters and smaller is definitely better"

About Haka Tourism Group

• Started 7 years ago, and runs small group adventure and snow tours of New Zealand.

• Maximum tour group size is 16

• Tours are fully guided and include transport and accommodation.

• Has specialist departments to operate tours for overseas schools and universities.

• Own upmarket hostels in Christchurch and Queenstown with Paihia and Auckland opening this summer

For further information on the awards:

TNT Golden Backpack Awards: http://www.goldenbackpackawards.com.au/

Rankers 2014 Awards: https://www.rankers.co.nz/awards/traveller-voted-awards-2014

Canterbury Business Awards: http://championcanterbury.org.nz/2014+Winners.html

HostelBookers Awards for Excellence: http://www.hostelbookers.com/2014-top-accommodation/

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