When Rotorua Museum's new Don Stafford Wing opens in August, it will provide more room for exhibits and for visitors, opening up new opportunities in the tour group market.
The $22 million development to complete Arthur Wohlmann's original plans for the Bath House building is nearly finished and the museum's Jo
Doherty is excited about promoting the final result to international tourism buyers and media at Trenz next week.
"With the extensions, we have more space to be able to host larger groups more comfortably," Doherty said.
Previously, limited space has affected the museum's ability to sell itself to the tour group market, which is particularly popular with many Asian visitors. Doherty said having large groups in the smaller area was not ideal for the groups or for independent visitors trying to see the exhibits at the same time.
But the extensions will add 50 per cent to the existing space when the Don Stafford Wing opens on August 20, opening up new opportunities in this market.
"This is something we will be pushing at Trenz."
The museum is encouraging people who speak European and Asian languages to train as docents to cater for foreign tour groups. They can also work through translators travelling with the tours or brought in for the visit.
More gallery space will enable the museum to expand its permanent exhibits, such as Nga Pumanawa O Te Arawa - the Beating Hearts of Te Arawa - and to offer a wider range of temporary exhibits featuring local, national and international artists and exhibitions.
Doherty said the Te Arawa exhibition was interesting for Kiwis wanting to learn more about their local history and to overseas visitors experiencing the Maori culture and history for the first time.
She sees the museum as a valuable experience for visitors because it puts the region's history, people, geothermal activity and major events and landmarks into context.
"When people come to Rotorua, there is a huge number of things to do. The museum gives people a sense of place, people and the landscapes they will be visiting. It is a great starting point for their Rotorua journey."
