After receiving a record number of entries, the finalists of the 2015 New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards have been revealed.
The announcement comes ahead of the big gala night this month.
The annual awards recognise top businesses in New Zealand’s growing hospitality sector.
Stephen Hamilton, Horwath HTL Director said the awards are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge leaders in the valuable hotel sector and highlight individuals and hotels that are helping drive the growth of the wider tourism industry.
“Both the calibre and quantity of entries reflects the positive momentum currently being enjoyed by New Zealand’s hotel sector, which is experiencing its best run of business for many years.”
Sally Attfield, Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Sector Manager Hotels
Finalists this year are:
Outstanding Young Executive Award sponsored by ServiceIQ
- Chad Johnston, Executive Assistant Manager, Rydges Wellington
- Zak Muysken, Rooms Division Manager, InterContinental Wellington
- Sam Swaffield, Operations Manager, Crowne Plaza Auckland
Senior Hotel Executive Award sponsored by ReserveGroup
- Paul Columbus, General Manager, Novotel Auckland Airport
- Bruce Garrett, General Manager, The George Christchurch
- Les Morgan, Director of Operations, Sudima Hotels and Resorts
Hotel Industry Environmental Initiative Award sponsored by Greenfield
- Bolton Hotel, Wellington
- Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef Glacier
- The Langham, Auckland
The winners will be announced at the 2015 New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference gala dinner at The Langham, Auckland on 4 June.
Mr Hamilton said it should be a great event, with the sector enjoying a record year marked by high occupancy rates and improved returns.
Ms Attfield added that recognising winners in New Zealand’s hotel sector is an important way of setting a benchmark that others can aspire to.