PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur Named

Media Release
4 October 2012

PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur Named

The owner of a Christchurch-based tourism venture has been named PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year in Wellington.

Mark Gilbert, Managing Director and co-owner of Hassle Free Tours, whose resilience to the challenges of the Canterbury earthquake, as well as his efforts in building a world class tourism venture in a sustainable manner, gave him the edge in the ATTTO-sponsored awards.

Mr Gilbert – who receives a $2,500 cash prize from ATTTO and a scholarship to study for a Tourism Aotearoa or National Certificate in Business (First Line Management) qualification – was presented with the award today by Prime Minister John Key, ATTTO Chief Executive Kathy Wolfe, and PATA NZ Chairman Neil Plimmer.

Kathy Wolfe said: “The high calibre of business talent shown by all the finalists is proof that the future of New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar tourism sector is in good hands.

“Tourism enterprises throughout the country need to continue to nurture talent and new ideas in their businesses. Ensuring staff have the necessary knowledge and skills, and retaining that talent within an organisation, is critical to sustainable business growth.

“The ATTTO programmes we are offering the winner and finalists will help them gain the knowledge, skills and attributes to help their businesses continue to thrive.”

Mr Gilbert established Hassle Free Tours with his wife Nikki in 2003, offering tours of the Canterbury high country in purpose built vehicles.

When faced with an 80% drop in visitor numbers in the wake of the earthquakes he moved quickly to diversify his business, introducing New Zealand’s only open top double-decker bus tour, offering tours of Christchurch and Akaroa, as well as charter tours. He also developed new tours from Akaroa for the cruise market and targeted the domestic market with special offers and promotions.

The company has grown from just the couple operating it, to now employing up to 12 full-time equivalents (FTEs) in the summer season. Their fleet has grown from one to nine vehicles, which are projected to carry 17,500 passengers this year.

Mr Gilbert faced stiff competition from the two other finalists for the award: Clare Davies, General Manager, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, Nelson and Clinton Farley, Hotel Manager, Hilton Lake Taupo, Taupo. They will also get scholarships to study towards an ATTTO tourism or business qualification.

For more information about ATTTO qualifications and how they can help improve your business, visit www.attto.org.nz

About ATTTO:
• ATTTO is the Industry Training Organisation for New Zealand’s aviation, tourism, travel and museums industries. Its role is to provide industry leadership on skill and training needs, set skills standards, and design and deliver world-class qualifications that meet industry needs.
• ATTTO industry qualifications are designed to be completed on-the-job by people employed in our industries. Many can also be completed through training providers.
• All ATTTO qualifications are nationally recognised and registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
• At 31 October 2011, there were more than 2,800 New Zealanders from 230 workplaces training towards national qualifications with ATTTO.

ENDS

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