Destinations, such as Lake Te Koo Utu feature highly in Cambridge reviews.
A Cambridge Airbnb has taken out an award for being welcoming and friendly and contributed to the town securing a top five place in a tourist booking organisation’s annual traveller review awards.
Reviews on booking.com for Carol Townshend’s Te Koutu Apartment have never been lower than a 9/10 and it secured her a second consecutive award.
That contribution and the performance from other hospitality operators in the town makes Cambridge New Zealand’s fifth most welcoming town behind Hokitika, Lake Tekapo, Oamaru and Whanganui in booking.com’s awards.
Destinations must have at least 50 eligible accommodations to be included in the list and were sorted by the highest share of winners in each destination.
Nearby destinations, such as Lake Te Koo Utu and restaurants always feature highly in Cambridge reviews.
There was also a best welcoming region section, but Waikato failed to make the list. Canterbury was top and came sixth in the most welcoming regions in the world.
Townshend said the comments her clients put into her review book and on booking.com were always consistent.
“They love the accommodation and then they love the town and what it has to offer,” she said.
“The fact they’re able to walk from my place into town for brunch, lunch or dinner is always something they comment on.
“And so many of them don’t realise till they look out their window that they have a lake right there.”
Destination Cambridge chief executive Miff Macdiarmid said the results were consistent with reviews her organisation receives.
Covid-19 has ruined the summer events schedule but once things settle down, Cambridge will see high demand again, she said.
“It’s the whole experience people get.”
Residents could take some credit for that as visitors always comment on how friendly people are to them.
When the Waikato Expressway opens, Cambridge will be an ideal first night/last night accommodation stop for people arriving in Auckland.
Todd Lacey, area manager of booking.com New Zealand, said the country’s award achievements highlight the unwavering hospitality of Kiwis, in the face of yet another year in the global pandemic.
“Having so many Kiwi properties rewarded for their wonderful hospitality is such a pleasure to see after yet another turbulent year for the travel industry. Much of the country has only recently been able to resume domestic travel again, so it’s a positive sign that these places are still being recognised for their excellent services.”
Lake Te Koo Utu
Guests valued location, staff and cleanliness above value for money and services.
This demonstrated the importance of how close the property is to certain landmarks, how they were welcome and the importance of health and hygiene during the pandemic, he said.
