Mary Shanahan
A record 1.12 million people visited the region in the year ending November 2004, according to Hawke's Bay Tourism figures.
Reporting to the Napier City Council, chairman of Hawke's Bay Incorporated Ross Bramwell said visitor numbers were up 5.7 percent, pumping a record $426-million into the local economy.
The consistent positioning of Hawke's Bay as New Zealand's leading food, wine and lifestyle destination was paying dividends, Mr Bramwell told the council's corporate business committee.
It was also contributing to increased demand from consumers, trade and journalists who were hungry for "hot" new destinations.
Visitor satisfaction was also on the increase, with 95 percent of those surveyed reporting an excellent or a satisfactory experience of Hawke's Bay's accommodation, services, attractions and facilities.
The percentage of excellent responses had gone up to 60 percent over the 12-month period, Mr Bramwell noted.
Adding to that, Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Hamish Lowry said the regional tourism market was very competitive, with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch promoting aggressively.
The seasonal nature of Hawke's Bay's tourism traffic continued to be a challenge.
Lonely Planet's high rating of the region was significant, with the guide's untainted views particularly valued by independent travellers and backpackers.
Visitors were also staying longer in Hawke's Bay, at the expense of other places.
Responding to questions by Cr Rob Lutter, Mr Lowry said the region was getting to the point where it needed more quality hotel accommodation. Inbound tourism operators were asking for four-and-a-half star accommodation in particular, and Hastings was talking about such a development.
Every year, his organisation averaged two or three inquiries from hotel developers and would help them any way it could.
Record visitors come bearing record cash
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