Big benefits are set to come to the Wairarapa after it was announced the region will host the 2013 Tourism Export Council Conference.

The decision was announced at Thursday night’s theme night at Monteiths Brewery on the West Coast following the 2012 Tourism Export Council Conference.  Chief Executive, Lesley Immink says the conferences traditionally alternate between the North and South Islands.

“We are delighted to be staging the 2013 conference in the Wairarapa winning by three votes over Hamilton-Waikato. The 190 delegates at this year’s conference greeted the announcement with much enthusiasm so we know we’re going to get plenty of support,”   she says.

Destination WairarapaChief Executive David Hancock says the Wairarapa team who put in a joint bid to host the conference are rapt. These included representatives from the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park, Tranzit and Tui Brewery whose presentation showed a fun and personable side to the Wairarapa and highlighted the great time delegates will have at the conference.

“This is fantastic.  It will bring the top New Zealand inbound holiday destination decision makers to the Wairarapa and give us and every tour operator in the region a real vehicle to promote the region,” he says. “When the West Coast last hosted this conference at Franz Josef in the early 1990s the region saw a big rise in awareness and visitor numbers surged – we expect to see those benefits in the Wairarapa.”

Mr Hancock says being awarded the conference was the culmination of years of hard work by the regional tourism organisation of working closely with inbound operators and educating them about the region.

“We can’t underestimate how much value this conference means to us. It is an exciting opportunity to showcase the Wairarapa and over the coming months we will be calling on other tourism operators in the region to be involved.”

Mrs Immink says that getting tourism operators to different parts of the country is a key part in educating them on the attractions and activities on offer.

“The Wairarapa has a growing reputation as a visitor destination and we know that Destination Wairarapa will do a great job in ensuring that delegates from around New Zealand and overseas will see it at its very best.”

The dates for the August 2013 conference will be announced in the next few weeks.

The Tourism Export Council (TECNZ) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have now finalised a 10-year guiding concession to allow TECNZ inbound tour operators to accompany clients during stops of up to one hour at public conservation areas for short walks, view points and photo opportunities.

Building on that held by the Bus and Coach Association (NZ), this new concession will allow TECNZ members to  accompany clients beyond parking areas and into public conservation areas as they tour around New Zealand. Revenue gathered through this concession will go toward DOC’s recreation and conservation work around the country.

The concession came into effect on April 1 2012 and, while primarily aimed at coach tour groups, can be used by TECNZ member-operated minivans and chauffeured vehicles if they meet the other criteria. Members wishing to spend more than an hour at any one site are still required to apply for a concession in the usual way.

This concession brings TECNZ into line with other tourism concessionaires who currently visit public conservation areas as part of their itineraries in terms of fees and group sizes. The first year will act as a trial process to identify anomalies and allow TECNZ members to cost fees into future itineraries. Being a DOC approved concessionaire in addition to inbound operator members having Qualmark endorsement will add further value to inbound tour operators marketing efforts as a strong point of difference going forward.

Speaking of going forward, registrations are now open for the Tourism Export Council ‘conference event of the year’ hosted on the West Coast 21-24 August. The Tourism West Coast team and Shantytown guaranteed at last year’s conference if chosen, to make this ‘the most memorable conference’ ever. Members voted the West Coast to host, so come and support them by registering for the conference. Part of the experience can begin with the process of getting there. Aside from flights in and out of Hokitika, KiwiRail is offering free TranzAlpine train travel to Greymouth return. Take the extra day and opportunity to join one of the most stunning train trips in the world! The theme for the final night is “kiwiana” so start thinking about your costume now. Come as a famous kiwi, an icon, a music band, politician or a bottle of tuimato sauce… Visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz website to see the latest information and download registration forms.

After things go a bit pear shaped… the ‘phoenix’ (and that’s NOT the soccer team) has this uncanny ability to be reborn from its own ashes… and it’s the sort of good karma I’m hoping for on 27 July when the Central Christchurch Development Unit (CCDU) release its blueprint for the new Christchurch.

Once in the red-zone it’s obvious the city’s modern day city planners have a blank canvas to work with.  I for one, hope they take advantage of this remarkable opportunity and think outside the box to create a blended city of historical and modern architecture – a low rise, vibrant city well defined into precincts.   A transport efficient,  sustainable, environmentally friendly city that is not only a positive, easy and fun to live in, but hugely attractive to visitors.

I also truly hope however, the assigned visionaries respect the past, our history and the cornerstones of the city’s famous architecture.  It astounds me that the city’s Anglican Bishop is vigorously pounding the streets demanding that the Christchurch Cathedral be torn down to only 3 metres in height.  The Cathedral is so much more than an Anglican Church; it is undoubtedly the heart of the city.  Christchurch without its Cathedral would be like Sydney without the Opera House, New York without the Statue of Liberty or Paris without the Eiffel Tower.  More than 80% of visitors to Christchurch visit Cathedral Square.  It is our most prized possession and yet its fate may well rest in the hands of the Anglican Church. I know they own it but the Cathedral is more than a place of worship, more than stone & mortar – it’s the heart of the city.

I reckon, if we let the Cathedral tumble, we’ve well and truly given in to Mother Nature and her earthquakes – and that’s not what we’re about.

During WW2, more than 70% of Berlin was flattened – about the same as Christchurch CBD.  Today Berlin rivals Paris as a must visit European destination.  During the cities 70 year rebuild (so far…) it’s obvious the Germans hugely respect their heritage and history.  Modern Berlin is a vibrant mix of the old and ultra-modern. It is amazing, awesome in fact.

We’ve already seen so many remarkable buildings in Christchurch crumble, I’d rather see some of our most prized structures (such as the Cathedral) left in ruins for 10-20-50 years until somebody has the money and inclination to do something positive with them, rather than the wrecking ball.

If tourism is to return to pre-quake levels by 2017 as suggested, we also need to get a serious rattle on.  Key projects need to be defined and work commence.  A Conference centre, a long term events, sporting arena and stadium will encourage new hotels, which in turn will encourage permanent restaurant and shopping precincts.

A USA travel wholesaler who recently visited Christchurch, told me for the meantime at least, she won’t be selling Christchurch to her clients.  She said her recent visit to the city had made her cry, she was sad and went on to tell me that her client’s limited time in New Zealand was too valuable to spend in this compromised city – especially when the South Island and rest of New Zealand has so much to offer.

I’ve got high expectations that the 27 July announcement from the CCDU will give me and my clients, confidence that the city is moving forward, becoming something very special and a must visit destination in any New Zealand itinerary.

Martin Horgan – President Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

Email: info@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

 Approximately twenty keen and enthusiastic future tourism industry leaders attended the launch of the Young TEC (Tourism Export Council) Auckland branch on Thursday the 28th of June at SKYCITY Auckland’s twentyone bar.

Auckland is the first regional branch to launch with the hope of other regions getting underway in the next month before the Tourism Export Council conference on the West Coast.Social media will form a major part of the Young TEC communication strategy as most young members of the tourism industry have Facebook and Twitter accounts. Young TEC aims to use this medium to keep its members up to date with regional and national happenings. The official Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/youngtourismexportcouncil whilst you can follow updates on Twitter by following @YoungTEC NZ. Photos from the official launch in Queenstown and Auckland Branch launch can be found on the Facebook page. The winner of the SkyWalk vouchers donated by SKYCITY Auckland will also be announced via the Facebook page this Thursday, so if you were at the Auckland launch, go to the Facebook page and like it to be into win.

Based purely on the drive of its membership, Young TEC and its regional branches are keen to hear from anyone keen on becoming part of the organisation. If you would like to get in touch and become a member or offer you services, please contact the regional coordinators at young@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz or checkout the Facebook page for more information. The first annual workshop will be planned to coincide with this year’s Tourism Export Council conference on the West Coast.  ENDS

About Young TEC – Young TEC (Tourism Export Council) is a sub group of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand, formerly known as ITOC (Inbound Tour Operators Council) of New Zealand. The intent of Young TEC is to create an environment for the future leaders of the tourism industry to network and share their thoughts and ideas with one another. Young TEC is free to join for Tourism Export Council members and can help younger staff further their career in the tourism industry. Membership is available for non Tourism Export Council members but an application fee will apply.

For further information please contact: Dylan Rushbrook – Regional coordinator, Auckland                             dylan.rushbrook@skycity.co.nz 021 505638

New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT) is a national organisation, representing over 200 Māori tourism businesses throughout New Zealand. Our focus is to develop relationships, influence investment, contribute to policy, implement strategies that encourage business growth and prosperity for Māori tourism, the Māori economy and broader NZ economy. NZMT provides a collective voice for Māori tourism operators. For industry and government NZMT provides an accessible point of communication with Māori and the broader tourism sector.

Since 2002 Red Carpet Tours has provided comprehensive  tours for Lord of the Rings fans the world over, visiting the movie locations throughout the New Zealand , with opportunities to meet key people involved in the films. Response to the tours has been beyond expectations with many people returning for their 5th and 6th Tour. Trip Advisor rating Red Carpet Tours Certificate of Excellence and Hall of Fame the last 8 years in a row. This is a ‘must’ tour for avid LOTR fans – and those who want to experience the real New Zealand.

Visit Ruapehu is the Regional Tourism Organisation for the Ruapehu District, mostly funded by Ruapehu District Council but governed by an independent Board of Trustees, who are dedicated to helping grow tourism numbers into the Ruapehu region. The Visit Ruapehu Trust employs a Marketing team tasked with marketing to the consumer, travel trade and media.We believe in growing domestic and international tourism in Ruapehu through marketing and promoting the area’s diverse activities and amazing environment.

Our trio of Hilton Hotels in the North Island, offers a diverse range of experiences across Auckland and Taupo, ensuring your stay is to the highest of Hilton standards.

Find out more at Hotels in New Zealand – Find Hotels – Hilton

Crystal Mountain is located 20 kilometres from the Auckland CBD, in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges. Crystal Mountain is Qualmark endorsed and won the Waitakere Tourism and Leisure Awards 2005 and 2006. We receive over 200,000 visitors per year. We offer the Crystal Mine Museum, gallery and souvenir shop, themed animal park, café and Vineyard Function Centre, which caters for all ages and is suitable for large groups. Crystal Mountain is open Tue – Sun.

Spend from three hours to five days in New Zealand’s finest coastal national park with a local family business, welcoming visitors to the region since 1841. Day trips depart from Kaiteriteri year-round, with beach stops, walking and sea kayaking options. Travel with speed, style and comfort aboard our Vista Cruise catamaran with the best views from comfortable seating around tables on upper and lower viewing decks.  Overnight guided walk and/or sea kayaking trips stay at Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa and Torrent Bay Lodge; our exclusive Beachfront Lodges with twin/double room, en suite bathrooms, fine food and wine.  Expert guides introduce a landscape full of stories.