The industry turned out in force for the TAANZ National Travel Industry Awards as travel consultants, and TAANZ, continue to gain momentum.
“NTIA26 was a powerful reflection of the talent, professionalism and resilience that exists across every part of the travel industry,” says TAANZ ceo Julie White.
“NTIA is about recognising the people behind travel, the advisors, teams, businesses and partners who continue to go above and beyond for their customers every single day.”
There were also signs of the collaborative gains TAANZ is making behind the scenes with the return of tourism minister Louise Upston, and attendance by a number of Australian heavy weights including Australian Travel Industry Association head Dean Long and CLIA Australasia md Joel Katz.
The venue, the New Zealand International Convention Centre, proved a huge hit with the attend ees, and helped elevate the event to another level, says White.
The event was opened by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hon Louise Upston, who acknowledged the important role New Zealand’s travel industry continues to play in connecting people, supporting tourism and delivering outstanding experiences for Kiwi travellers.
TAANZ president Tori Courtney welcomed the minister’s engagement with the sector, and thanked Upston for her inspiring words and the ‘recognition of the vital contribution our industry makes to the New Zealand economy’.
. . . Resilience
White says this year’s NTIA winners reflected the strength and adaptability of the sector during a time where global travel continues to evolve.
“From frontline travel advisors and emerging talent to suppliers and industry partners, our winners represent the very best of the New Zealand travel industry,” she says. “Their professionalism, innovation and commitment to customer care continue to raise the bar for our sector.”
. . . Partners
The TAANZ ceo and president have both repeatedly thanked the sponsors and partners ‘who helped bring NTIA26 to life’, reiterating that the event was not possible without the backing of the industry.
“The relationships that sit behind our industry are what truly underpin its strength,” says White. “During more challenging periods, including recent global travel disruptions, the value of those partnerships, collab oration and connections becomes even more important.”
