An annual industry familiarisation week in Rotorua continues to grow, reaching record numbers of activities and delegates.
The Stay and Play Rotorua industry famil last week attracted 58 representatives from 31 different companies and organisations, including wholesalers, inbound tourism operators, i-Site staff from around the country and tour companies.
Stay and Play
Rotorua managing director Kay Clark said the event had come a long way in the four years it has been running.
"This year's numbers were well up on previous years and the spectrum of people was the broadest yet. We even had a wholesaler from the United Kingdom who came over especially for this, which is the furtherest reach we have had."
When the famil week started four years ago, it involved 24 visitors and only 15 activities, so Clarke said it was now showcasing twice as many Rotorua attractions to more than twice the number of people.
Local activities, attractions, accommodation and transport providers donated $53,000 worth of entries and services to get people staying longer in the city and General Travel's Sisi He said it had been effective in doing that.
"I was mostly impressed by the number of things there are to do. I used to recommend people stay two nights, but now I will be suggesting three or four because I know what there is for them to do."
Clarke and her team have received a number of similar endorsements including:
- I think we all saw a side of Rotorua we never knew existed - and met some wonderful people along the way. Thanks for the opportunity to experience this great region.
- I thought it wouldn't be so helpful because I've been to Rotorua many times. But actually it was really useful for me because things have changed since I went to Rotorua last time, and more important things are talking to operators [directly].
- I had a great time and definitely have realised the huge potential of Rotorua in terms of activities.
A number of participants said they would definitely be including some of the activities in future itineraries. Clarke said this, and raising awareness among tourist information frontline staff, were the reasons behind the event.
One of the new activities for 2011 was a visit to Rotorua Golf Club. While wet weather last week prevented the guests from playing a round, they still got to hear what the club had to offer to visitors.
Golf is one of the leisure sectors Rotorua has been actively marketing in Sydney campaigns.
