Wow of a weekend looms for winner

A Rotorua backpackers' owner has won a WOW weekend in Wellington in a Rotorua Museum promotion.

In conjunction with the Off the Wall: World of Wearable Art Up Close exhibition, the museum offered a special incentive to Rotorua accommodation providers to boost visitors over summer. They referred guests to the museum with a voucher - the more vouchers, the more entries to the competition.

Cactus Jack Backpackers' owner Paul O'Connor was overwhelmed when his name was drawn from hundreds of entries at the end of the exhibition's three-month run last week.

"I always send people to the museum. They comment on the magnificent building which sets the scene, and are never disappointed once inside. They love the experience and consider it great value for money," he said.

His prize includes flights with Air New Zealand, accommodation at the Copthorne Oriental Bay and two premium tickets to the Wellington 2013 World of Wearable Art Awards Show.

Mr O'Connor said he was unsure yet who would make the trip but knew both his wife and daughter would be keen.

Rotorua Museum developed the competition to recognise the important role accommodation providers play in directing their guests to attractions and activities in Rotorua.

Director Stewart Brown was delighted with the popularity of the competition.

"It shows the importance of keeping the accommodation sector up to date with new developments. They are often the first point of contact for guests arriving into our city," he said.

Destination Rotorua manager Oscar Nathan said accommodation providers' recommendations could help visitors stay longer, spend more, and go away raving about their Rotorua experience.

The museum will continue to offer discount vouchers to providers so they can promote the Autumn Season of Art, which includes four exhibitions opening at the museum on Wednesday.