New Zealand's companies Whale Watch Kaikoura and YHA Wellington City have been awarded three different laurels for responsible tourism at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, held to celebrate World Responsible Tourism Day, in London. Delighted by the news, Tourism New Zealand has asserted that these awards are "will deserved" and will "generate fantastic coverage for New Zealand".

Whale Watch Kaikoura was awarded the honor of being the Overall Winner of the ceremony, as well winner in the Marine Environment Category. YHA Wellington City, on the other hand, outraced all other nominees to win the Best Large Hotel Accommodation category.

With the new awards, New Zealand is now expecting even more tourists for the coming year.

"Both awards are well-deserved and I hope this recognition will encourage other New Zealand operators to make responsible tourism part of their everyday business practices", TNZ chief executive George Hickton said. "Already, Whale Watch Kaikoura has been interviewed by media, including BBC news, providing fantastic coverage for New Zealand to millions in the UK and overseas".

Last year, New Zealand had received the honor of taking the Overall Best Destination award home.