Leomoo.com

His refusal to be beaten by the Christchurch earthquakes and subsequent visitor downturn has contributed to a Canterbury tourism operator being awarded the 2012 PATA Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award.

Mark Gilbert, Managing Director and co-owner of Hassle-free Tours, was also recognised for his commitment to building a world-class tourism business and his environmental efforts. His win was announced by Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key at the 2012 TIA Summit in Wellington today.

PATA NZ Chairman Neil Plimmer, who presented the award, said Mr Gilbert was a worthy winner among an outstanding field of candidates.

“He epitomises the kind of leadership, entrepreneurial flair, and business capability needed to take the tourism industry forward,” Mr Plimmer said.

Mr Gilbert says the inspiration for starting Hassle-free Tours came after his own overseas travels, when he realised that the most spectacular scenery he had seen was back home in New Zealand, in the Canterbury high country in particular.

With his wife, Nikki, he established the business in 2003 at the age of 24. The business offers tours of

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