Editorial: Let's keep ahead of the Plenty

Tane Mahuta is one if Norrthland's big attractions.

So tourism Bay of Plenty wants our spot in the "Top Five Places to visit in New Zealand" list.

The top five destinations for tourists are Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland, Wellington and Northland. The Western Bay sits in sixth place.

Northland tourism leaders are confident of maintaining our spot, but Tourism BoP reckons the growing cruise ship industry is the secret to Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and the Western Bay stealing tourists from us.

Firstly, did you know Northland was in the Top 5?

Many Northlanders remain ignorant of the fact that our region is so attractive to tourists. We live here because we love it, and tourists do too.

We offer stunning coastline and much of our tourism industry takes advantage of that.

Tane Mahuta is a big attraction if visitors head out west, and Waitangi's - indeed the entire Bay of Islands - rich cultural history makes it a must-visit.

There is budget and luxury accommodation available.

The lack of a five-star hotel in Whangarei continues to frustrate, and some of our basic hospitality and food service providers still have some, err, growth to do when it comes to providing good service.

But we are blessed with an industry that has massive potential.

The Top 5 list gives Northland a very public Key Performance Indicator.

If we are in the Top 5 and there is still significant growth to come in the industry, then we should be aspiring to not just stay in the Top 5, but rise up its ranks.

A bit of competition is healthy, and Tourism BoP's challenge to us is a reminder of the importance of this industry to Northland. Bring it on, Tourism BoP.