A selection of New Zealand operators have been voted as being among the world’s best by the readers of top US travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

The recently announced World’s Best Awards 2009 features Air New Zealand as one of the world’s top ten international airlines, with The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers among the World’s 100 Best Hotels. Queenstown was also named as the third best city in the Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific category.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton says: "Travel + Leisure Magazine is considered to be one of the world’s leading travel magazines. To have our operators feature in their influential World’s Best Awards shows the commitment of our tourism industry to quality."

"This is particularly important in the economic downturn, where competition is stiffer than ever and potential visitors want to ensure they are getting the best experiences for their money," says Mr. Hickton.

The awards normally only include votes from readers of the US edition. However, 2009 is the first year that the awards also include readers’ opinions from the six other international editions of the Travel + Leisure, including Australia, New Zealand, China, India, South-east Asia, Turkey and Mexico.

"The fact that this year’s awards come from a wider range of readers from different countries, including a number of our key markets, is also a sign that New Zealand is having an impact," says Mr. Hickton.

While Air New Zealand featured as a new entrant in the top 10 Best International Airline awards, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers not only earned their place into the top 100 World’s Best Hotels, but also took first and second place respectively in the Resorts of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific category.

Travel + Leisure is considered to be one of the world’s most influential travel magazines, with the circulation of the US edition alone reaching almost a million (987,153) per month.

Top Cities of Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific: # 3 Queenstown

Top 10 International Airlines: # 9 Air New Zealand

Top Lodges & Resorts of Australia, New Zealand, & The South Pacific:
# 1 The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs - AND # 16 in the World
# 2 The Farm At Cape Kidnappers - AND #21 in the World
# 8 Huka Lodge
# 10 Treetops Lodege & Wilderness Experience

Top City Hotels of Australia, New Zealand, & The South Pacific:
# 4 Westin Auckland Lighter Quay
# 10 The George
# 12 Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
# 15 Hilton, Auckland

For further information contact:

Cas Carter, Tourism New Zealand
Mob 021 915 410