Dynamic Memory-Makers Dominate Top Global Business Awards

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Dynamic Memory-Makers Dominate Top Global Business Awards

[AUCKLAND, NZ: 11.00pm, 25 March] Dynamic and fast paced Kiwi company-turned global success story Magic Memories has taken out the Supreme Award, and three other award categories – Best Business Operating Internationally ($10-$50M); Excellence in Marketing; and Excellence in Operations at the 2015 New Zealand International Business Awards held at The Langham tonight.

Recognised as one of New Zealand’s most prestigious business awards for local businesses operating offshore, these impressive awards across a range of categories represent a significant new milestone in the journey for photographic memory makers, Magic Memories, over the last 10 years.

Started in Queenstown in 1995 by John Wikstrom and Stuart Norris, Magic Memories filled a hole in the market for ‘tourism photography’, capturing cherished moments at places like Queenstown’s gondola, Shotover Jet, Kelly Tarlton’s and Waitomo Caves. From small beginnings as a two-man start-up, Magic Memories has enjoyed rapid expansion into the global arena.

At the heart of the company, the purpose remains the same now as it did back in the early days – to make people smile – and Magic Memories are successfully doing just that at over 100 attractions across eight countries, employing more than 700 people globally. Iconic entertainment venues such as Madame Tussauds, SeaLife Aquariums, FC Barcelona, and Australian theme parks Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and Movie World are now all partners of this energetic New Zealand-based company.

“It’s a huge honour for us to win the Supreme Award, and these other categories and we are proud to represent all small start-up companies with a big vision to expand in to the international market,” says John Wikstrom, CEO, Magic Memories.

“When we first had the idea to take photos of tourists in Queenstown and to deliver that as a personalised keepsake, we never thought then that we would be providing magical memories for people all over the world.

“We now have a strong presence in Australia, Europe and North America. And we’re not stopping there. We also have licensed partners in China and South Africa and big plans for further expansion.”

The significant international growth of the company has seen Magic Memories exceed its annual revenue growth targets. They are now in their fourth year of 50% top line growth year on year. It is now the dominant provider in New Zealand and Australia, and with a sound business model and strategy to continue to grow the broader international markets.

Proven in New Zealand and successfully translated internationally, the Magic Memories business model is to establish long term contracts with large attraction partners, providing unrivalled photographic experiences for their guests.

The 2012 acquisition of Arizona-based Jackson Digital Imaging (JDI) – leaders in the invention and installation of ride photography – and guest management and engagement software company Centryc Solutions late last year, has enabled Magic Memories to position themselves as industry innovators, securing new skills and expertise, along with increased share in key markets, and with the opportunity to offer new and enhanced solutions to partners and prospects.

Magic Memories’ international operating companies are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of the New Zealand parent company, with the head office still based in Queenstown. And they remain proud of their New Zealand roots.

Throughout their growth phase, the team benefited from a wide range of New Zealand suppliers and advisors, as they established themselves in the international market. The support and advice they received from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) in particular was immensely beneficial and they remain strong advocates and users of many of the support programmes offered to New Zealand businesses by NZTE.

And in true kiwi fashion, the team are only too happy to share the lessons learnt to other budding exporters and tourism businesses in New Zealand.

ENDS

About Magic Memories

Magic Memories was founded in Queenstown, New Zealand, in 1995 and partners with more than 100 major tourism attractions around the world to offer unique photographic memories of tourism experiences. Its aim is to make guests smile when they arrive, again when they leave and then every time they share or look back at their memory of the attraction that Magic Memories has created for them. By doing so they deliver higher yields and more revenue than any of their competitors, and operate at no cost to their partners.

Additional information about Magic Memories, its partner attractions and latest product developments is available at http://www.magicmemories.com.

About the New Zealand International Business Awards

The New Zealand International Business Awards are organised by NZTE, with the support of Strategic Partner ANZ. They celebrate New Zealand business success in the world and recognise professional excellence and innovative practice. They provide an opportunity for New Zealand businesses to benchmark performance, build capability and boost employee morale. For more information, visit www.nziba.co.nz

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