Tourism New Zealand was also awarded Gold Awards for two components of the 100 per cent Pure New Zealand Campaign: its website www.newzealand.com and the advertising posters.

The awards will be be given at the 53rd PATA Annual Conference in Jeju Island, Korea that is scheduled to be held from 18 - 22 April.

Tourism New Zealand CEO George Hickton said, "The awards show the high regard international tourism industry has for the 100 per cent Pure New Zealand campaign."

"Getting an award like this from our international peers shows that our marketing work is of top international standard. But even better, the award helps profile not only the campaign, but New Zealand among the members of PATA, and other tourism organisations throughout the world," Hickton added.

Hickton said that the award was a testimony to Tourism New Zealand's commitment to a consistent campaign. "These awards endorse the hard work our team has put into delivering a clear consistent message about New Zealand as a visitor destination through the campaign over the last four years."

The winning campaigns were selected from over 332 Gold Award entries by panels of international experts in each category.

PATA president and CEO Peter de Jong says, "Tourism New Zealand fought off strong competition to win the Grand Award for Marketing. 100 per cent Pure New Zealand is a very worthy winner in a very demanding category. The award recognises excellence, creativity and the ability to deliver on marketing promises. 100 per cent Pure New Zealand has raised the bar in destination marketing to a new level."

PATA NZ chapter chairman Hon Rob Talbot says, "Tourism New Zealand has again demonstrated that it is at the forefront of marketing New Zealand on world wide tourism markets. By winning the prestigious Grand Award for the 100 per cent Pure New Zealand marketing programme against strong world wide competition, as well as the Gold Award for the 100 per cent Pure New Zealand poster, New Zealand will receive a huge marketing and profile boost throughout PATA's diverse international network. The New Zealand Chapter and PATA Travel Industry members will receive considerable marketing spin-off from Tourism New Zealand's success."