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Skydive Lake Wanaka attain highest tourism accolade

Wednesday 6 August 2008, 11:11AM

By EveNZ

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Tourism Awards Skydive Lake Wanaka
Tourism Awards Skydive Lake Wanaka Credit: EveNZ

WANAKA

Skydive Lake Wanaka was announced as winner of the Small Tourism Business Award last night, distinguishing it as the best small operator in New Zealand.

Owners Dave and Jools Hall said they were thrilled to receive this honourable accolade, the highest within the tourism industry, and what they have been working towards for the past 14 years.

“Winning this award is an immense credit to our passionate team,” Hall said. “We are thrilled and proud for the company to receive this recognition and it is a testament to the commitment and hard work invested over the many years.

“We will use this as a platform to build on for the future, as a stand-out operator in Lake Wanaka and the South Island. We continually strive to be original, inventive and resourceful to give our customers the best possible tandem skydive experience in New Zealand. To gain this recognition from the industry confirms we must have the combination right.”

It is the first time in over sixteen years a Wanaka tourism operator has gained this status and serves well to promote Lake Wanaka to domestic and international visitors travelling to the region.

Skydive Lake Wanaka Ltd is a commercial tandem skydiving company operating seven days a week, year round, from Wanaka Airport. It was created in August 1995 by Dave and Jools Hall, with just one Tandem Master (Dave) a leased Cessna 180 aircraft, a van (the office) and 2 deck chairs.

Over the years the company has invested in valuable equipment; a custom built hangar with reception and shop, and a turbine aircraft, to meet increasing growth and maintain industry standards to deliver a personalised experience thousands of customers will remember for the rest of their lives - an exhilarating 200 kph freefall from 12,000 or 15,000 feet followed by a breathtaking five minute parachute ride.

The company’s mission is to give customers the most rewarding, memorable, safe and scenic tandem skydive in New Zealand whilst empowering them to overcome any fears and aspire to their personal challenges.

“The difference between a good experience and an outstanding one stems from our team’s passion for skydiving, their creative spark, attention to detail and strong customer focus, I believe this is the formula to our success and was identified by the judges.

“It is so beneficial to have your business assessed by independent judges using an internationally recognised system of business excellence. Receiving the extensive feedback on our strengths and opportunities is invaluable,” Hall concluded.