Tauranga as an event destination

The One Love reggae festival last year. Photo/File

Tauranga is on track to become a major events destination, according to local leaders.

Priority One projects manager Annie Hill said events and concerts were important to the economy of Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

"The economic benefits of events go well beyond the immediate participant, visitor and business experience. They increase our competitive advantages and stimulate the economy...

"This has the high-level effect of attracting skilled and talented people who want to live here, which in turn attracts businesses that want to employ these people."

Tourism Bay of Plenty consumer marketing manager Abby Parkin said large-scale events, such as festivals and high-profile sporting events, all helped to put Tauranga on the map as a sought-after event destination and "something we absolutely strive to become".

"Events such as One Love and Bay Dreams not only offer great entertainment options for residents, but also bring out-of-town visitors to the city and surrounds, massively benefiting the economy. They also present an opportunity to grow tourism in the shoulder or off-peak seasons if held between March and October."

Tauranga was home to outstanding accommodation providers, from high-rise apartments to boutique hotels, however "capacity is often a challenge we face when large-scale events come to town".

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stan Gregec welcomed all festivals and events.

"We want to attract festivals and concerts of all types because they all contribute to the flavour of the place and bring in out-of-towners who have money to spend. I think there is great potential for Tauranga to attract more events of this kind."

Tauranga City Council strategic and city events manager Jenna Quay said it worked closely with the event organisers in the lead-up to the gig.

"Hosting these events provide work and money for our local businesses, they bring visitors who support our hotels, shops and restaurants and locals can enjoy experiences they can be proud of.

"This brings positive economic benefits, including more visitor nights, increased local and regional GDP and helps create a vibrant and exciting city."

Waitangi weekend's One Love festival was one of the biggest music events in the city and gained national attention due to the line-up and the size of the crowd, which was expected to be almost 20,000 people this year, she said.

Tauranga's residents and visitors could also look forward to a diverse range of music, sporting, arts and cultural events coming to the city over the next 12 months, including Paradox: Tauranga Street Art Festival.

"The city will host a range of new events from the World Junior Squash Championships in July, a marathon in October to hydroplanes on the waterfront in March complementing our local and home-grown events."