The almost 11 percent decrease in visitors to the district in the past year posed a serious threat to the ongoing viability of both existing tourism businesses and the service industry, and if it continued would be a deterrent to additional investment in these industries locally, Annette Main, owner and operator of The Flying Fox Retreat on the Whanganui River said today.
While the recession has resulted in less than expected growth in tourism overall for the country, numbers for this district have dropped considerably more.
“Our district cannot afford to let opportunities for business growth in this industry slip through our grasp. Our neighbouring regions have lifted their game to meet the predicted challenge of reduced visitor numbers. They have worked alongside operators to ensure that money spent by their councils on marketing is closely aligned with that of the industry and they are consequently doing significantly better than us,” Annette Main said.
‘Although operators in the Whanganui River Valley report significant increases in visitors over the previous summer season, this has not been a general trend throughout the district.
Our part of New Zealand is blessed with the kind of landscapes and natural assets envied by so many in this fast changing world, the challenge for us is to get ourselves in their hearts and minds when choosing a holiday destination.
We have to think creatively and more cleverly to promote our whole district as a world class destination both for visitors and for business investment. Only then will we see growth in our local economy which will enable us to enjoy the lifestyle we want and the employment opportunities we need if we are to have a better future for our families,” Annette Main said.
The growth of visitor interest in local food and produce has been recognised by the Tourism Board who is providing a focus on these regional differences in their marketing. The River Traders Market has taken up that opportunity and have featured in national publications as well as a special mention of the local farmers market section in international chef Peter Gordon’ s latest book being promoted at the Food Show in Auckland this week.
“As Peter Gordon is one of our famous sons, growing up here in Castlecliff, I have asked him if he would consider featuring in promotion of our area in the future and he has agreed. These are the kinds of connections and opportunities to get ourselves on the world stage that we need more of if we are to turn around our local economy” Annette Main said.
Annette Main said she will be speaking with local Member of Parliament Chester Borrows with a view toward inviting Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key to spend some quality time in the city, to get a first-hand look at the tourism opportunities of the area, meet with local tourism business operators, and explore ways the government can better assist the growth of the local industry.
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