2015 Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Award Winners Announced

Last night close to 200 Hawke’s Bay tourism providers and industry members gathered at East Pier Hotel for the fourth annual Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Awards.

Hosted by Shane Cortese, New Zealand actor, singer and performer, the night was full of fun and glamour as the regional tourism industry celebrated local tourism businesses delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

The awards were open to Hawke’s Bay Tourism members (financial and non financial) across all tourism sectors and over 50 entries were received.

The entry process was rigorous and included entrants completing a comprehensive questionnaire and presenting their business plan. Entries were then judged by an independent panel made up of Hon. Craig Foss-MP for Tukituki, Wayne Walford-CEO Chamber of Commerce, Liz Read-Managing Director of Consultancy firm Reputation Matters and Katherine Halliday - Business, Marketing and Event Consultant

The judged award categories were Activity & Attraction, Accommodation and Small Business which was a new category introduced this year. A Supreme Award winner was then selected from the 3 category winners.

Back by popular demand was “The People’s Choice” award, sponsored by The Hits Radio Station where members of the public voted for their favourite tourism business. Over 600 people cast votes for 50 of Hawke’s Bay’s tourism businesses.

The awards were led by Hawke’s Bay Tourism in conjunction with its parent group the Hawke’s Bay Tourism Industry Association (HBTIA).

Hawke’s Bay Tourism General Manager Annie Dundas said “We’re delighted to see such great industry engagement and support of each other because it’s important to take time to acknowledge and celebrate local businesses who work so hard to deliver amazing experiences for visitors to Hawke’s Bay. The winners here tonight play a pivotal part in doing that and are well deserving of their accolades.”

The 2015 results:

2015 People’s Choice Award Winner: Kennedy Park Resort Napier
Sponsored by The Hits Radio Station

2015 Supreme Award Winner: Nimon & Sons
Sponsored by EIT

2015 Accommodation Winner: Cobden Garden Homestay
Sponsored by Central Linen Services

2015 Activity and Attraction Winner: Nimon & Sons
Sponsored by Hastings District Council

2015 Small Business Award Winner: Hawke’s Bay Express
Sponsored by Napier City Council

ENDS

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