Three finalists have been announced in the 2010 PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award, representing the new generation of leaders for New Zealand's multi-billion dollar tourism industry.

The finalists are:

Ben Knill, Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Beek (View International Ltd), Wellington

Hamish Pinkham, Director and Owner, Rhythm and Vines Ltd, Auckland

Ryan Sanders, Director and Owner, Haka Tours, Christchurch

Open to individuals 35 years or younger, the PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award is the tourism industry's annual recognition of its outstanding young star. The Award is part of the 2010 Tourism Industry Awards which are managed by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

"It is very exciting to see that this year's PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award finalists have all successfully started their own tourism businesses," says TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar, who notes two finalists returned from the UK to start their ventures. "The theme of this year's Award is innovation, and these three young entrepreneurs have that in spades."

Neil Plimmer, PATA NZ Trust Chairman, says recognising and fostering the up and coming leaders of tomorrow is very important for New Zealand's tourism industry, which has to compete in a challenging international environment. "We can't outspend so we have to rely on out-smarting, which is why we are very pleased to be associated with TIA's focus on celebrating innovation in our industry" Mr Plimmer said.

"Our three outstanding finalists have created new and original tourism offerings. The winner will undoubtedly be of the same high calibre we have come to expect in this Award," says Mr Plimmer, adding many previous winners now hold senior positions throughout the tourism industry.

This award is sponsored by PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) and ATTTO (Aviation Tourism and Travel Training Organisation). The winner will receive a grant of $3000 towards their career development. The winner and runners up will also gain free entry to an ATTTO training programme.

The 2010 Tourism Industry Award winners will be announced at a celebration event in Auckland on 14 October.

About the finalists:

Ben Knill, Chief Executive Officer, Beek (View International Ltd), Wellington, beeked.com

A creative and innovative tourism professional, Ben has developed an interactive guide that lets prospective visitors research and explore destinations online and imagine the experience of being there in person. Utilising skills he gained in the UK, Ben's online marketing tool enables tourism operators to promote the value and 'personality' of their products. They can also collaborate with other operators to showcase their destination.

Hamish Pinkham, Director, Rhythm and Vines Ltd, Auckland, www.rhythmandvines.co.nz

From a little party in a vineyard, Hamish has grown Rhythm and Vines into Gisborne's flagship event, bringing around 20,000 people together over three days to celebrate the New Year. Last year international media voted the festival as one of the world's top New Year destinations. The three-day festival has helped put Gisborne on the event calendar, and pumps millions of dollars into the local economy.

Ryan Sanders, Director, Haka Tours, Christchurch, www.hakatours.com

Ryan's company Haka Tours offers small group adventure travel to New Zealand, including snow tours exploring the Southern Alps and the active volcanoes of the North Island. Ryan tested his business model while working in the UK, returning to New Zealand when he had the confidence to hit the ground running. This motivated young Kiwi also owns Haka Lodge, a new 10-room boutique lodge in Christchurch.