Real Journeys Wins Two Tourism Industry Awards
31 August 2007
South Island tourism operator Real Journeys was recognised as one of the industry’s highest achievers at the Tourism Industry Awards last night, winning the “Conservation in Action Award” and the “Qualmark Mark of Quality Award”.
Company co-founder Olive Hutchins travelled to Auckland to receive both awards.
CEO Dave Hawkey said he was delighted to hear the news. “As a company, we are passionate about the excursions we offer and we feel proud and privileged to operate in the incredible southern part of New Zealand. It is wonderful to be honoured this way.”
Real Journeys is a locally owned and operated tourism operator with excursions in Fiordland (Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Milford Track Day Walk, Te Anau Glowworm Caves), Queenstown (TSS Earnslaw steamship and Walter Peak High Country Farm) and Stewart Island (ferries and excursions).
Since its inception in 1954, Real Journeys has always had a strong sense of environmental responsibility. Founder Les Hutchins was awarded an OBE in 1988 for services to tourism and conservation; he received a New Zealand government “Biodiversity Accolade” in 2000; and he was made a “Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit” in 2002 for his services to conservation and tourism.
“In many ways, Les Hutchins was a visionary,” Mr Hawkey said. “He viewed conservation as ‘the real cornerstone of New Zealand’s tourism industry’ and he never deviated from this belief. Today, we strive to continue his legacy.”
As Real Journeys has grown over the years, it has remained a New Zealand family-owned business strongly guided by the vision and conservation ethos of its founders. Current conservation projects include sponsorship of Whio/Blue Duck, Pekapeka/Native Bat and the Stewart Island Harlequin Gecko as well as a substantial annual contribution to other conservation projects via the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation.
Real Journeys is also actively committed to best environmental practice, using the latest technology to minimise emissions, and data-logging to monitor – and help reduce – the company’s overall carbon footprint. Staff and passengers are encouraged to get involved in conservation initiatives where possible.
“Winning this award is hugely significant to us because it’s an independent endorsement of our conservation work,” Mr Hawkey said. “It will also be meaningful to our passengers – who are increasingly demanding a sense of environmental responsibility from operators.”
Mr Hawkey said he was looking forward to seeing the reaction of staff. “Our staff are passionate about the environment in which they work. They are always looking for new conservation initiatives and innovative ways in which we can reduce human impact. Many of them work in very remote locations and it’s exciting for them to be recognised on a national level for something that is so dear to their hearts.”
“We haven’t inherited this land, we have only borrowed it from our children” - Real Journeys founder Les Hutchins (1924-2003)
Dave Hawkey, Real Journeys CEO
Tel 03 249 8627 / 027 233 7931
Email dhawkey@realjourneys.co.nz
Robyn Jebson, Real Journeys Queenstown GM Marketing
Tel 03 442 4829 / 027 222 5851
Email rjebson@realjourneys.co.nz
