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Monday, May 19, 2014

Award-winning Southern Discoveries displays Milford Sound operations at annual tourism conference TRENZ

unnamed (4)Premier South Island tourism company Southern Discoveries is next week (May 18-21) exhibiting at the annual tourism conference TRENZ educating the attending about the company’s history and products.

As the oldest and most established tourism operator in Milford Sound, Southern Discoveries has been operating for over 50 years and offers the widest range of experiences available in Milford Sound.

The company continues to invest in its Milford Sound operation enhancing and developing its products and services and “relishes” the opportunity to educate the travel industry during the country’s largest tourism event held this year in Auckland.

Their product range includes Scenic Cruise, Encounter Nature Cruise and Discover More Cruise, Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory, Cruise and Kayak Milford Sound and Go Milford Day Tour.

Southern Discoveries was recently awarded Fiordland Operator of the Year. 

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Southern Discoveries’ general manager John Robson said while the company had invested significantly in the company’s new Queenstown activities, the Milford Sound operation had also undergone some changes.

“We’ve recently upgraded our VIP room on our flagship vessel Pride of Milford to provide a private buffet and additional food options for groups wanting an exclusive Milford Sound experience,” said Mr Robson.

“The new layout is more customer friendly and enables more flexibility for guests in the only VIP room available onboard a boat in Milford.”

“We have an extensive range of products in Milford Sound that can be tailored to individual markets.  We’re always looking at new ways to enhance our customer experience, provide unique options and ensure exceptional customer service,” he said.

Due to the popularity of Southern Discoveries’ Cruise and Kayak Milford Sound product, the company has invested in another two double kayaks to meet customer demand.  The opportunity for customers to kayak in serene Harrison Cove combined with a cruise and visit to the Discovery Centre has proven a winning combination.

Following a 14-year relationship with the current owners, Southern Discoveries also purchased a shareholding in Milford Sound Lodge.

“We’ve enjoyed working closely with the lodge for a number of years and we‘ve a shared desire to support the growth of tourism in Milford Sound while protecting it for future generations,” said Mr Robson.

Milford Sound Lodge has embarked on a period of redevelopment with the construction of eight ensuite chalets over the summer and more developments are expected in time for next season.

In response to expanded activity offerings in Queenstown, and to ensure the continuous development of Milford Sound as a destination, Southern Discoveries has appointed a highly-experienced sales team to expand its offshore presence.

Cecil Potatau joined the team in June 2013 and is responsible for Asian markets and Julia Savill joined in March 2014 heading up the Western markets based in Queenstown.

“Over the last 12 months we’ve undergone a period of expansion and investment and we’re excited to showcase our new, unique and extremely ‘Kiwi’ products to New Zealand and the rest of the world,” said Mr Robson.

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The Expeditionist

The Expeditionist
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