Sustainable tourism awards nominate Whale Watch
17 Feb 2010
New Zealand tourism operator Whale Watch Kaikoura has been named as a finalist for a major international award at the 2010 Tourism in Tomorrow Awards, to be held in Beijing on 26 May.
Whale Watch Kaikoura has been nominated for the Community Benefit Award - recognising best practice in sustainable tourism - and was one of 160 entries from more than 45 countries.
Last year Whale Watch Kaikoura was the supreme award winner in the 2009 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, and chief operating officer Kauahi Ngapora said the nomination was another honour for the Kaikoura-based company.
"It is humbling to be recognised for practices that have steered our organisation since its inception," Ngapora said.
Positive contribution
Whale Watch Kaikoura fulfilled a number of important criteria used to select finalists for the community benefit award - such as community-mindedness and contribution to New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
The organisation was initially set up to create employment for local Maori.
The company operates as a charitable entity, representing the indigenious Ngati Kuri Maori tribe and four local founding families, and has an annual turnover of NZ$10 million.
At least $55,000 of annual profit is distributed to the Kaikoura community and used for education, employment, poverty relief and protecting the environment.
Ngapora says Whale Watch Kaikoura, a locally-owned and run business, is proud of the community support it receives.
"Whale Watch Kaikoura is part of a community focused on providing best practice in sustainable tourism and also in providing the best possible experience for visitors to our region," Ngapora said.
Background: Whale Watch Kaikoura
Multi award-winning Whale Watch Kaikoura each year takes around 100,000 visitors out on to the Pacific Ocean to view - with 95 percent success rate - the giant sperm whales that frequent the rich marine environment of the small seaside town of Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island.
More information:
NZ reigns supreme in eco tourism
Whale Watch Kaikoura
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