Fiordland businessman wins top Tourism Industry Award
Go Milford owner Bryan McChlery with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key at the awards event where Bryan was recognised for his committment to delivering the highest quality visitor experience and to working collaboratively with the wider tourism industry.
Fiordland businessman wins top Tourism Industry Award
Bryan McChlery, an entrepreneurial young businessman who has developed and manages three quality tourism businesses in Fiordland with plans to open a fourth later this year, has won the PATA Young Tourism Professional Award in the 2009 Tourism Industry Awards. Managed by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand*, the Award winners were announced at a special event in Wellington today. "The PATA Trust also congratulates the other finalists. They gave Bryan a good run for his money, and will all contribute to our industry's growing future. It has been a pleasure to see the achievements of this next generation of leaders coming through so strongly."
TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says Bryan McChlery is an inspiration and a tourism leader of the future.
“He is a young man who already has an excellent track record of success and is paving the way in the tourism sector. He is clearly committed to delivering the highest quality visitor experience and to working collaboratively with the wider tourism industry.”
Under Mr McChlery’s management, Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park has expanded and achieved
strong sales growth and a five star Qualmark rating. He has also developed new businesses – Top 10 Milford Sound Coach and Cruise business (rebranded Go Milford), a partnership in Driftaway Rental Campervans, and has plans to open a retail sightseeing shop in Te Anau. Mr MChlery says he is a hands-on owner who is always willing to look at new ideas and to listen and learn from other successful individuals and businesses.
“I grew up in an environment where I was encouraged to follow my dreams, but to make sure I placed one foot in front of the other firmly on the ground.”
He recognises the important role that his businesses play in the local Te Anau community in providing employment, visitor activities and visitor facilities, and has a long term vision of raising the status of holiday parks up to the level of top hotels and resorts. A member of the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association, he is highly respected by his peers, tourism industry and other business leaders.
Award sponsor PATA NZ Trust says it is delighted to see Bryan McChlery win this award. “We're in good hands,” says PATA NZ Trust Chairman Neil Plimmer. “Bryan McChlery is an outstanding winner in the tradition of the best of our young professionals of the past. We look forward to him taking stronger positions in regional and national tourism, clearly he has the ability to do this.
Mr Plimmer says the participation of ATTTO as a co-sponsor has greatly strengthened the PATA Young Tourism Professional Award. Bryan McChlery will receive a grant of $2500 to advance his professional development and together with the runners up, will also be awarded free access to an ATTTO management course.
* The Awards are managed by the Tourism Industry Association on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust.
Posted: Thu 08 Oct 2009