September 19, 2007

Mâori Language Thriving In Tourism Sector

Bay of Plenty Tourism has scooped the Tourism New Zealand Tourism Award for use of Reo during Mâori Language Week.

Bay of Plenty was one of 19 award winners at a gala dinner held in Wellington on Friday September 14.

The theme of this year’s award was tourism, which prompted Tourism New Zealand to sponsor an award.

The aim of the award was to encourage those in the tourism industry to incorporate Mâori words and phrases into their everyday business.

“Mâori tourism has been a very important part of the industry since it started, but language has not always been promoted as part of that.

This award was Tourism New Zealand’s chance to get behind that,” Manaakitanga Aotearoa, Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said.

Among other things, the judges said Bay of Plenty Tourism prepared well for the week and presented a well documented application which evidenced their commitment.

Bay of Plenty Tourism also made great use of phonetics to assist with pronunciation – for example the spelling bee ‘Kia Ora’ card.

Judges felt they undertook community-based activities that would serve the community by upskilling staff working in the i-site and tourism office.

Other finalists in the category included Auckland based Potiki Adventures and Ataahua Bed and Breakfast from Christchurch.

Mâori Language Week was held between July 23 and 29, 2007.

ENDS

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