Queenstown and Te Anau-based tourism company Southern Discoveries has been named Operator of the Year 2011 by the Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC).
The latest addition to the operator's trophy cabinet was presented at the annual ITOC awards night in Tauranga last week.
The award, which recognises "excellence and an outstanding visitor experience", was given on the votes of inbound tour operator members.
Southern Discoveries general manager John Robson said in a statement last week it was rewarding for staff to see their planning from previous years come to fruition and humbling to have it recognised by the industry.
Bought by the Dunedin-based Skeggs Group in late 2008, the more than 50-year-old company continues to expand in Queenstown, with consent granted to operate a 150-person catamaran on Lake Wakatipu, visiting Mt Nicholas Station and creating conference and incentive opportunities.
