It’s Mighway on the self-drive highway

Mighway will host a seminar for tourism operators on Friday at 11am at Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club. Picture supplied

Gisborne and East Coast tourism operators are set to benefit from a partnership between Activate Tairawhiti and Mighway, a technology platform connecting owners of motorhomes with guests.

Mighway chief executive Dave Simmons enjoyed a family campervan holiday along Highway 35, Opotiki to Gisborne, and says it is a must-do road trip for self-drive travellers.

“From hand-feeding stingrays at Tatapouri, to body-surfing at Wainui, enjoying world- famous Ruatoria Pies, to a bonfire on the most stunning beach in Anaura Bay — this fantastic highway is the ultimate Kiwi trip, and there’s no better way to enjoy it with the family than in a campervan.”

As part of Mighway’s focus on the Gisborne region, Simmons and Mighway’s marketing director Jason Nockels will host a seminar for tourism operators on Friday at 11am at Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club.

They will share extensive knowledge gained from their combined experience in the tourism industry, having worked for Air New Zealand, Grabaseat and in the country’s largest commercial tourism business, Tourism Holdings Limited.

Activate Tairawhiti general manager tourism Adam Hughes says Gisborne tourism operators will learn how to increase visits by understanding the data and insights from the Mighway team.

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with Mighway, as the first region to benefit from their regional support programme, and encourage tourism operators to get involved.”

Mighway’s extensive owner network of campervan enthusiasts will also be encouraged to familiarise themselves with the region by visiting and becoming Highway 35 ambassadors.

“Increased visitation by self-drive customers will have a significant impact on these communities throughout the region”, says Mr Simmons.

Mighway is the fastest-growing platform of its kind in New Zealand and has recently launched in North America.

It leverages the growing global sharing economy where owners of assets — be they motorhomes, houses or other — rent directly.

The vehicles listed on Mighway are privately owned and located throughout the country, providing a great opportunity for regions.

Mighway has developed a regional support programme whereby concentrated efforts will be made to drive visitation to regions, and knowledge will be shared for operators to leverage technology tools and other opportunities to increase visibility with travellers.