Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier was amongst the winners at the 2021 Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards. Judged by Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), ratings agency Qualmark and Air New Zealand, the awards are designed to recognise sustainable tourism businesses which offer experiences that cannot be had outside Aotearoa.
Twelve New Zealand tourism operators, including Skydive Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, were selected from a pool of almost 50 finalists from around the country. ”Our winners were ultimately selected for demonstrating true Kiwi aroha and giving back for the good of New Zealand, said Sue Purcell, chair of the judging panel and CFO for TNZ.
Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier was recognised for its partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) through the Jobs for Nature programme, which allowed staff to continue to earn a living wage and develop wider skills during the downturn from the pandemic.
Like many others in Glacier Country, the skydivers from Skydive Franz & Fox Glacier have been affected by the lack of international tourists from the COVID-19 border closures. Through the Jobs for Nature programme they turned their hand to helping upgrade the historic Alex Knob track. “The project enabled us to keep critical staff employed – without which we would have been forced to close the operation,” said Skydive Franz & Fox Glacier Base Manager, Robbie Stewart.
“This opportunity not only allows us to continue operating but also means that, as one of the top nine skydiving venues in the world offering New Zealand’s highest skydive, we can continue to attract visitors to the district thereby making a contribution to the sustainability of the overall community including other operators in the tourist trade, hotels, restaurants and the hospitality industry in the region.”
Development West Coast Destination and Tourism Manager Patrick Dault congratulates the team at Skydive Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier for their achievement and their contribution to our people, community and place. “Despite the challenges of the past year, they have demonstrated great vision to adapt, innovate, and give back to the community through the Jobs for Nature programme.Their excellent skydiving operation is also helping show the rest of the country that you don’t need to travel overseas for world-class experiences”.
With most operators open for business, the West Coast is the perfect getaway for snow or adventure enthusiasts or those seeking to reconnect with the untamed natural wilderness of the region, so for more information on helicopter flights Wellington and Mt cook scenic flights please go to http://www.infliteexperiences.co.nz .
