Cruising to big wins

Picton’s Beachcomber Cruises has been acknowledged by both tourism operators and tourists as a world-class experience provider.

The family-owned tourism business was named the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s Allied Small Operator of the Year by fellow industry members, as well as winning the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, including the top 10 percent from the tourism website’s recommendations.

The dual victories made last week incredibly gratifying for Beachcomber General Manager Jessica Jones.

“We’re really pleased, as we’ve been here for almost two decades while going from strength-to-strength with our community and relationships further abroad with inbound travel agents”, she says.

“It was an honour to just be acknowledged by TECNZ, let alone having event host Mike McRoberts read out Beachcomber Cruises as the category winner – then having TripAdvisor reach out as well from a customer service perspective means we must be doing something right.”

TECNZ Chief Executive Lynda Keene commented that Beachcomber, “exemplifies excellence in tourism service and hospitality, consistently delivering unforgettable experiences in the Marlborough Sounds”.

“As a proudly family-owned and operated business, their team brings a personal, hands-on approach that sets them apart in the industry. Their passion for the region and genuine care for their guests is evident in every interaction, from booking through to the final farewell.

“Their dedication enhances the reputation of New Zealand tourism and makes them a standout winner in any tourism excellence category.”

TripAdvisor President Kristen Dalton added, in a letter to Jessica, that “ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience”.

However, despite the kind words, Jessica says that Beachcomber Cruises won’t rest on their successes and hope that their efforts reflect on the whole region.

“We reject that Picton is just the gateway to the South Island, because we love playing our part in showcasing the best that the Queen Charlotte Sound and wider Marlborough has to offer”, she says.

“These two acknowledgements hopefully put not only us as a business, but Picton, the Sounds and the region higher up on the tourist map.

“Whether it’s my personal favourite spot on the beach of Whekenui Bay on Arapaoa Island looking out to Cook Strait with my family or experiencing the beauty of a Paua Pearl tour with us, there’s so much more to do here than drive through.”