News Release:            Friday 14 August 2009

Distinction Luxmore Hotel wins ITOC Operator of the Year Award

The Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau has been awarded the Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC) Operator of the Year Award for 2009. 

The award was presented at the ITOC Conference held in Gisborne this week. 

Paul Yeo, Chief Executive of ITOC says "This award is held in high esteem by our members and is highly sought after. Nominations are gathered from our inbound tour operator members and then points are awarded for appearance, staff and product quality as well as the effort put into the product by management and staff."  

Distinction Hotels currently consists of three hotels, two based in Te Anau - the Distinction Luxmore and the Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villa's and the other in Rotorua - Distinction Hotel Rotorua. Geoff Thomson, a self made Southlander independently owns all three properties and has invested tens of millions of dollars in the past three years to raise the standard of all hotels to that which fits in with the continually raising demands of the travelling public.

Duncan Fletcher, Group General Manager of Distinction Hotels says "We do have larger aspirations and look forward to the day when we can proudly call ourselves a chain. We are proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated and have a passion for the tourism industry. We see a good long-term future, hence why we are continuing to invest in our products even in these very uncertain times," said Mr Fletcher.

"This investment in the properties is certainly showing through in customer satisfaction levels and winning this award is pleasing recognition of this. Investment has not just been confined to the bricks and mortar of the property and we have additionally invested in our greatest commodity - our staff. This is the area that we plan to place a great deal of investment in over the coming years, as service levels must at least match those of the physical product."

"It is always nice to be recognised for achievement and this award has particular significance as it comes from our peers within the tourism industry. The competition was of a high calibre and we congratulate the other finalists who I know are excellent tourism products. My biggest thanks go to the management and staff of the Luxmore who work incredibly hard and deserve most of the accolades," said Mr Fletcher.

Destination Fiordland General Manager Lisa Sadler says "we're incredibly proud of the Distinction Luxmore Hotel as they do a wonderful job for our region. The reinvestment in both Te Anau properties has been significant and has helped raise the standard of accommodation in the region. The team at the hotel ensure that our famous Fiorldand southern hospitality exceeds our visitors expectations."

The runners up in the award were Rainbow Springs Nature Park & Kiwi Encounter, Rotorua and Canterbury Trails, Christchurch.

ITOC Background:

The Inbound Tour Operators Council of NZ was founded in 1971. It represents 250 tour operators and suppliers throughout the country who package, distribute and market New Zealand tourism products and services internationally.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Paul Yeo
Chief Executive
ITOC
Mob: 027 255 2549