CTS Tours’ Lisa Li was among the big winners at this week’s 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards, taking home the Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion Award.
This was Li’s fourth time as a finalist, her last nomination back in 2019, and she’s ‘absolutely thrilled, humbled and a little overwhelmed’ by her win as she jokes that it took seven years and a global pandemic for her to take home the award.
The moment, she says, is one she will treasure forever. Li (pictured on right with AKL ceo Carrie Hurihanganui) has spent more than 25 years building connections between New Zealand and China and is steadfast in her belief that tourism is much more than a business. “It is about connecting people, bridging cultures, creating opportunities and making a positive contribution to our communities.” She also thanks her team at CTS Tours, and the wider industry. “Nobody achieves anything meaningful in tourism alone,” says Li who adds the award is recognition of a collective journey, not just an individual achievement.
There’s every reason to be optimistic about the China market, for Chinese visitors coming to New Zealand and New Zealanders travelling to China.
Li says improved air connectivity, more convenient visa arrangements and growing confidence in international travel are all positive developments. She reports growing Kiwi interest in discovering China, saying CTS Tours is particularly encouraged by the demand for small-group, in-depth and culturally immersive journeys.
“With its extraordinary history, diverse landscapes, vibrant cities and modern infrastructure, China offers an experience that often exceeds visitors’ expectations.”
