Whale Watch tourism award in Beijing

Whale Watch Kaikoura has gained yet more international recognition for its eco-tourism business.Whale Watch Kaikoura has been awarded the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) Gold Award in the Environment Eco-Tourism category in Beijing, China at the weekend.

The award recognises the contribution Whale Watch has made to the development and promotion of Kaikoura as an eco-tourism destination.Whale Watch Kaikoura chief operating officer Kauahi Ngapora said he was very pleased to accept the award."It is very gratifying to see a company from a small town on the east coast of New Zealand competing successfully on the international stage.

"Given the recent events in Christchurch and the impact this is having on our region, it gives us an opportunity to show the international community that Christchurch and Canterbury has got some world class products on offer."He said it also showed the region was "definitely open for business".

The judges commended the company on its commitment to protecting the whales and the environment it was so reliant on."We have the most to lose as a company and a community if we do not protect our marine mammals and the unique environment they and us call home," Mr Ngapora said.

This is the second Pata Gold Award Whale Watch has been awarded. In 2000 the company was recognised with a gold award in the heritage and culture category.The awards attracted a total of 223 entries from the travel and tourism industry across the Pacific and Asia.

Source = stuff.co.nz