Big tourism win for region

Kiri Atkinson-Crean. Photo / File

Rotorua has been named to host the 2014 Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference.

The event will be on April 4 to 9 and will draw numerous representatives from more than 15 Asia Pacific countries.

Maori in Tourism Rotorua co-chair Kiri Atkinson-Crean said the conference was a significant development not only for Te Arawa and Rotorua, but also for New Zealand.

"This is an important international conference that will provide a platform to promote New Zealand and Maori tourism. Already, working with the Pacific Asia Travel Association [PATA] on the event has helped raise the profile of New Zealand's tourism industry and this awareness will grow extensively over the next six months," Ms Crean said.

"The Asia Pacific region is one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world, and PATA is the leading voice and authority on tourism to, from and around this key region. The conference will allow us to reach these markets in a whole new way, driving new potential for our region and wider New Zealand."

Ms Atkinson-Crean said the event was relevant for Rotorua, with its high concentration of Maori tourism experiences.

"New Zealand tourism has its origins in Rotorua. From earliest times, Te Arawa people have shared their natural treasures such as the Pink and White Terraces and the remarkable volcanic landscape with the world.

"We have been welcoming visitors - domestic and international - for more than 180 years and although much has changed over time, the commitment to this legacy of manaaki [hospitality] has not changed - in fact, it continues to grow stronger with the new generations."

Ms Atkinson-Crean said the focus was now on delivering a successful conference in April - not just for delegates, but to ensure the widest possible benefit for the tourism sector, Te Arawa, Maori, Rotorua and wider New Zealand.

New Zealand Maori Tourism chief executive Pania Tyson-Nathan said the conference would provide an opportunity to promote the significant contribution to tourism by indigenous people.