We are thrilled to announce that our Managing Director, James Stokes, has been nominated for the prestigious YoungTEC Emerging Leader Award. This nomination is a testament to James; exceptional leadership, dedication and innovative contributions to the New Zealand Tourism and aviation industries.
About YoungTEC and the Emerging Leader Award
YoungTEC (Young Tourism Export Council) is an organisation that supports and nurtures young professionals in New Zealand’s tourism industry. The Emerging Leader Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, a commitment to professional growth and significant contributions to their organisations and the broader tourism sector.
About James Stokes
An aviation enthusiast since the age of 5, James Stokes always dreamed of one day owning his own airline, a dream that came to fruition 24 years later. James’ flight training began at Auckland Aero Club, Airline Flying Club and Ardmore Flying School. In 2013, he moved from Auckland down to Queenstown and was an instructor at the Wakatipu Aero Club, before joining the Glenorchy Air team as a Line Pilot in 2015. Gaining more experience in flying passengers around the Southern Alps, he became a Senior Pilot with the company in 2016 and their Training Manager in 2018. In July 2019, with backing from his family, he purchased Glenorchy Air from the Rutherford Family and turned his dream into a reality.
Recognising Fellow Finalists
We are also delighted to acknowledge the other outstanding finalists for the YoungTEC Emerging Leader Award:
- Abba Kahu from Whale Watch Kāikoura
- Charlotte Brady from Skyline Rotorua
These remarkable individuals exemplify the spirit of leadership in New Zealand’s tourism sector and it’s an honour for James to be recognised alongside such esteemed peers.
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