28 Aug 2013

Whale Watch Kaikoura tourism award finalist

6:51 pm on 28 August 2013

A Ngai Tahu owned South Island tourism company has been named as a finalist in the Responsible Tourism Awards.

Whale Watch Kaikoura is one of five nominees in the new People's Choice category among other tourism operators from around the world.

The Responsible Tourism Awards, which are based in the United Kingdom, were founded in 2004 to celebrate and inspire change in the tourism industry.

The organisers of the awards are impressed that Whale Watch Kaikoura carries 90,000 - 100,000 passengers every year out on energy efficient boats which have a very low impact on the marine environment.

The panel who selected the Maori tourism company, says Whale Watch Kaikoura has an engaging way of telling the history of the area, and about the unique marine life which enables passengers to understand what is happening below them.

The Responsible Tourism Awards will be held at the World Travel Market in London in November.