Tourism board expects further growth

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TOURISM Board president Penny Shaw has told the board that this region has enjoyed a three percent growth in visitor expenditure.

She said after 30 years as the regional tourism organisation, it was crucial that previous hard work continue to achieve results.

“Now as the tourism advocacy group for Eastland, we look forward to a successful summer, especially for smaller operators who can easily be overlooked for large promotions."

Tourism Eastland, as the voice of tourism for this region, was seeking feedback from members and all operators for the best way forward together, she said.

“We support the hard work being done by Activate Tairawhiti tourism general manager Adam Hughes and his expert team at the Gisborne i-Site, and look forward to once again welcoming all visitors to our piece of paradise.”

The board especially noted the six scheduled cruise ship visits. Passengers usually returned to preferred ports within five years.

“We also look forward to progress on the tourism destination development plan that Tourism Eastland funded last year and now with Eastland Community Trust backing, Activate Tairawhiti had a sound document for future development agreed by the whole community.”