Awards recognise excellence in New Zealand holiday parks

A long-serving and prominent Queenstown holiday park owner has been recognised for her efforts at the Holiday Parks Awards.

Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park 'Creeksyde' owner Erna Spijkerbosch won the Outstanding Service to the Holiday Park Industry Award. Her park also picked up the Resco Best Upgrade Award following a recent series of improvements.

The awards were presented in Wellington on Friday evening. 

Spijkerbosch is a former Chair of Destination Queenstown and remains on the board. She has also served as a Queenstown Lakes District Councillor and is a former president of the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association (HAPNZ).

Judges said Spijkerbosch had shown dedication and leadership in best environmental practices. Along with her husband, Tonnie, she demonstrated a continued innovative approach to the development of her Qualmark rated five star holiday park and four star self-contained units.

AA Spirit of Hospitality Award
Also recognised at the awards was the Beachaven Motel and Holiday Park at Waihi Beach, which picked up the AA Spirit of Hospitality Award.

Judges said visitors were made to feel welcome from their first contact with the park, through the booking process and on arrival. 

Finalists for the AA Spirit of Hospitality Award were All Seasons Holiday Park, Christchurch; Lorneville Holiday Park, Invercargill; Smiths Farm Holiday Park, Picton; Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park 'Creeksyde'; and Ruakaka Reserve Motor Camp.

ReserveGroup Award for Innovation
Taupo De Bretts Spa Resort won the ReserveGroup Award for Innovation. In the last 12 months, the business has introduced a number of changes, including online marketing initiatives, website improvements, daily measurement of 35 key performance indicators, and staff training. 

These have resulted in significant increases in revenue for the business.

Highly commended for the ReserveGroup Award for Innovation were the Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park and the Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park 'Creeksyde'.

Jasons SMART Business Award 2011
Taupo De Bretts Spa Resort also picked up the Jasons SMART Business Award 2011 for its online initiatives.

Highly commended were the Rakaia River Holiday Park and Kennedy Park TOP 10 Resort in Napier.

THL Qualmark
Free licence: Ruakaka Reserve Motor Camp

Most Improved licence holder: Beachaven Holiday Park

Seekom Innovation in Online Marketing Award 
Martinborough Holiday Park won the Seekom Innovation in Online Marketing Award. 

Highly commended were Ranfurly Holiday Park and Taupo De Bretts Spa Resort.