ATTTO National Manager Business Development Belinda Jorgensen accepting the award from master of ceremonies Doug Kamo.

The Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO) has won a prestigious industry award.

ATTTO was named Best Registered Travel Industry Training Organisation at the inaugural 2012 New Zealand Travel Industry Awards, held on Saturday night at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.

Kathy Wolfe, Chief Executive of ATTTO said: “It’s fantastic news for ATTTO to win this prestigious new award.

“We work hard to help ensure the travel industry is equipped to deliver workplace training that is relevant, industry focused and reactive to changes within the sector, and it’s wonderful to have this work recognised in this way.

“The robust competition we faced in our category from Waikato Institute of Technology and Powerboat Training NZ, shows the importance of industry training for both tertiary institutes and workplaces. Taking part in these awards offered everyone participating the great opportunity to highlight the wide range of industry training options available to the travel sector.

“Our thanks have to go to Chris Harrop from United Travel in Mairangi Bay for nominating us for the award and giving us this opportunity.  I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated team at ATTTO for the continued loyalty and engagement to ensure we meet the industry’s needs.”

The New Zealand Travel Industry Awards received more than 450 nominations across 30 categories. The categories were shortlisted through an online vote, the finalists were then invited to make a presentation to a panel of industry experts.

Kathy said: “Our hope from winning this award is that it increases the profile of industry training in the travel sector, and will show employers throughout the country the benefits and opportunities an investment in training your staff can offer.

“The travel sector is one facing many differing challenges, so ensuring people have the knowledge and skills to counter these challenges is key to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous industry.”