Local tourism operators are at the largest tourism business expo in New Zealand - TRENZ in Auckland. Video by Matthew Martin
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick will push for ongoing investment in the district when she attends a key stakeholder function at New Zealand's annual tourism trade show Trenz in Auckland this week.
Deals worth tens of millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy are expected to be negotiated during thefour-day event which is attended by more than 300 New Zealand tourism operators, more than 370 trade and tourism buyers from 29 countries, and journalists from around the world.
In a media statement, Mrs Chadwick said while the trade show was an important opportunity for our local industry to promote and sell our tourism offerings, the stakeholder function was a chance to converse with those who make decisions that affect tourism.
"I'll have the opportunity to speak with central and local government representatives and business leaders so it's important to be there to have these important conversations.
"We've recently refocused our destination marketing to spread the benefits of tourism across the year, rather than having the traditional peak and low seasons. The tourism growth we've been experiencing is great for the economy but it also brings with it challenges and puts pressure on services and infrastructure like roads," she said.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick.
"We're working with the likes of NZTA on some roading solutions but ongoing central government investment will be crucial to ensuring Rotorua can continue to cater for our visitors, particularly given the importance of Rotorua to New Zealand's tourism offering."
A recently released National Tourism Infrastructure Assessment identified visitor accommodation as the highest priority infrastructure needed to support future tourism growth in New Zealand. Other priorities identified were telecommunications, airport facilities, road transport, car parking, toilets and water and sewerage systems.
"Addressing these gaps will require us to work together with central government and the tourism industry," said Mrs Chadwick.
"The Trenz function is a chance to advocate for support for Rotorua as we strive to continue to be an outstanding visitor destination."
Meanwhile Rotorua MP Todd McClay has welcomed today's announcement of the Government's new $178 million for tourism infrastructure and conservation projects and said he will be pushing for Rotorua to get a share of the new money.
"Tourism is hugely important to Rotorua. We are experiencing record numbers of international visitors who spend are staying longer and spending more. They create jobs for local people and this package will help support tourism growth in Rotorua," he said.
"We need to give visitors the best possible experience when they come to Rotorua. We already do extremely well in this and the new fund means will now be able to achieve much more. It's a clear signal of the importance of tourism and that the government will look to partner with local ratepayers to deliver more tourism related infrastructure."
Mr McClay said he was also very pleased that $76 million funding would be committed to the Department of Conservation to upgrade and develop tourist facilities on conservation land and to expand the great walks network.
The Tourism Infrastructure Fund will provide $102 million over the next four years in partnership with local councils and other community organisations, for projects like carparks, rest areas and freedom camping facilities.
The first funding round will be open to applicants in the second half of 2017, and funding rounds will be held up to twice a year.
"This investment complements more than $7 million dollars which we have invested in local attractions and events such as Canopy Tours, Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter, Crankworx the Mud Festival, Redwoods and Te Puia," said Mr McClay.
"Tourism is our country's biggest earner and it's vitally important we continue to nurture and support the industry. Tourism creates jobs in our region and injects in hundreds of millions of dollars to our local the economy."
Tourism in Rotorua - by the numbers
- Annual visitor spend over $770m($402m domestic, $370m international) - Last year $70m spent by Australians and $63m by visitors from China - 3.7 million visitor nights in 2016 - 57% domestic, 43% international (2.2m nights in commercial accommodation, 1.5m in homes) - More than 3 million visits to Rotorua attractions and activities in 2016 (69% international, 31% domestic) -More than 1354 business events (conferences etc) in 2016 - About 18% of our workforce is employed in tourism, compared to 8% NZ -Events that attract visitors include Crankworx - estimated $8m economic boost in 2016 ($4m in 2015) - still waiting on 2017 report
