Te Puke tourist operators are embarking on a trade mission to China despite having failed in their bid to break away from Tourism Bay of Plenty.
The town's economic development group, Te Puke EDG, has secured appointments with all eight of Tourism New Zealand's Shanghai-based premier kiwi partners.
Managing director Mark Boyle and director Graeme Crossman will also meet government officials in Xian Province following investor interest in the Rangiuru Business Park.
The two men fly out to Shanghai this week having failed to persuade the Western Bay District Council to siphon off $55,000 of its $170,000 annual grant to Tourism BOP for use by Te Puke EDG.
Mr Boyle told the council last month that Tourism BOP had failed to provide specific initiatives to help grow Te Puke's distinct "value proposition". He said Te Puke's combination of climate and soils allowed it to grow super-foods, with international brands such as Zespri and Comvita calling Te Puke home.