The New Zealand Tourism Awards gala dinner and announcement of winners was held last night in Wellington. Hawke's Bay, a finalist in the Regional Development category, missed out on the Regional Development Award, which went to Christchurch & Canterbury Marketing. However, the Hawkes Bay Pertnership received a commendation for their efforts in Regional Development section, and also picked up a special Tourism Innovator Award in the area of Quality Management.

The Hawke's Bay entry was a combined effort by three key regional tourism organisations: Hawkes Bay Wine Country Tourism Association, Hawkes Bay Tourism and the Hawkes Bay Food Group. The Awards covered best practice and all round business excellence across categories such as leadership and vision, strategy and planning and customer focused marketing. Just making the finals was a fantastic recognition for Hawke's Bay and the whole region is to be congratulated.

The Supreme Awards Winner was Evergreen Lodge of Queenstown, who also picked up awards for Best Hosted Accommodation, Best Visitor Accommodation and Transportation, and the special Small Operator Award.

For the latest news and information about Hawkes Bay New Zealand please visit the Destination Hawkes Bay website http://www.hawkesbay.com/

Contact: Murray Potts Destination Hawkes Bay murray@hawkesbay.com http://www.hawkesbay.com/

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