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CO's strength in tourism leadership celebrated at national awards

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Central Otago’s strength in tourism leadership and strategic initiatives were celebrated at Tourism Industry Aotearoa's annual tourism awards function in Hamilton tonight. With finalists across three categories Tourism Central Otago, a department of Central Otago District Council stood out as a Regional Tourism Organisation that is delivering outcomes at the highest levels in New Zealand for its communities and the tourism sector.

The three TIA New Zealand Tourism Awards 2022 category finalists from Central Otago are:

  1. Collaborative Trails Marketing Initiative for the Tourism New Zealand Industry Collaboration Award. This award recognises a Regional Tourism Organisation, Economic Development Agency, central or local government agency, research organisation, education provider, sector association, industry business, or group of two or more businesses that have aligned/partnered to successfully maximise their tourism industry impact and results.
  2. Anthony (Antz) Longman, Tourism Central Otago Destination Development and Marketing Manager, for the PATA New Zealand Emerging Tourism Lead Award, which recognises an outstanding tourism professional who has been in the tourism industry workforce for less than 10 years.
  3. Dylan Rushbrook,Tourism Central Otago General Manager, for the Marsh Tourism Industry Champion Award, which recognises an outstanding tourism professional who has been in the tourism industry for more than 10 years.

“When you look at these three award categories, what stands out for me is the strategic and collaborative strength that is so beneficial to our local communities as well as our tourism sector,” said Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan. "We are incredibly lucky and privileged to have leaders like Dylan and Antz in our Council team. Both are generous with their knowledge and passion for doing the very best for their community and are always delivering great results in the projects and with the teams they lead.

"Although not winners on the night, I am so very proud to know that our people and district are being recognised at a national level, which if I am right is a first for Central Otago tourism.”

Dylan Rushbrook (left) and Anthony (Antz) Longman.

Additional Information about Category finalists:

Collaborative Trails Marketing Initiative

This is a project first identified in the Central Otago Tourism Strategy 2018-2028. It was initiated and led by Tourism Central Otago who were subsequently joined by partners Enterprise Dunedin, Clutha Development, four trails trusts and an operators' group.

After successfully securing STAPP funding through three RTOs, the initial focus was to position and market the trails network as the premier cycle trail destination in New Zealand. The original project plan has continued to grow and adapt and has moved on from purely marketing, to taking a lead role in managing destination impacts, rider safety campaigns and enhancing operator capability.

Not only has there been an overwhelming increase in visitors experiencing the region’s trails, but its success can be measured in that all partners are on board to maintain funding into the future with Destination Queenstown recently joining the collective as the trails network progresses towards its connection to the network through the Kawarau gorge.

Emerging Tourism Leader - Anthony (Antz) Longman

Antz first joined Tourism Central Otago in a digital marketing role in 2014. He has shown outstanding leadership and strategic strength throughout the progression of his career in tourism. His knowledge and skills are willingly contributed and valued at both a local and national level, and most importantly for his community.

He is currently the Destination Development and Marketing Manager for Tourism Central Otago and takes the lead for destination management, trails marketing, events and Central Otago’s annual Eat.Taste.Central food and beverage celebration. Antz takes pride not just in delivering results, but in building quality relationships and fostering the next generation of industry leaders through mentorship programmes.

Industry Champion Award – Dylan Rushbrook

Dylan is the General Manager for Tourism Central Otago. He began his tourism career as a kitchenhand at the age of 16 and was inspired to further his career into management roles. He has held senior executive roles in both the private and public sector, is a shareholder in a tourism start up and holds industry governance and advisor roles at national and local levels.

A passionate industry champion, he inspires people to understand how tourism can help enrich individuals and communities. Dylan believes that a career in tourism provides transformational opportunities. He is a leader that focuses on collaboration, mentoring, giving back and opportunities that further the industry for the benefit of people and place.

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