Media Release
24 October 2012

Visa Wellington On a Plate 2012 generates more than big appetites.

Wellington Foodie Festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate generated significant economic returns once again in 2012 according to the 2012 Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) report released today.

Leading economic research and analysis agency BERL was commissioned to put together the EIA report by the regional economic development agency Grow Wellington, who, along with Wellington tourism agency Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) are the culinary festival's directors.

The EIA measures the economic impact the festival has on the region and data collection has been significantly improved this year resulting in more robust results.

The report shows Visa Wellington On a Plate continues to have strong economic benefit to the region with 1160 people attending from outside the region, generating 1.41 million dollars in direct spending. This spend generated $655,000 in GDP and created employment for 14 full-time equivalents for one year. This figure rises to 2.08 million when applied to spend by people from outside Wellington City. The Festival left an enormously positive impression on attendees with over 91% believing it was successful and waiting to attend again.

“The report highlights the value that Visa Wellington On a Plate brings to the region.” says Festival Co-director Sarah Meikle. “VWOAP has become an event that’s incredibly important to the culinary capital’s visitor proposition and economy.”

Now in its fourth year Visa Wellington On a Plate is also starting to gain on other iconic Wellington events such as the Sevens and WOW. In four years the expenditure for Wellington City generated by the festival has been 5.5 million, this compares favourably to the Sevens which after 12 years is up to 15.6million.

Wellington City Council Economic Portfolio Leader Jo Coughlan says it’s great that Wellington has yet another successful event to add to its portfolio.

“DINE Wellington eateries saw an increase of close to $3.5 million in turnover across the festival period. The hospitality industry, Wellingtonians and visitors have all embraced the festival from day one, and we’re all reaping the rewards.”

The festival goes beyond just contributing to GDP and employment in Wellington. Festival events and participating restaurants strengthen the collaboration between local suppliers and hospitality venues across the region and have transformed what is traditionally a quiet period for the region.

” There is no other Wellington regional event or even National event like Visa Wellington On a Plate” says the Festival co-director Anna Nielson “The positive impact it has for food suppliers and other local food and beverage industry is unquestionable. The 2012 Economic Impact Assessment report once again highlights the region's ability to produce world-class food and beverage and to celebrate it with events like Visa Wellington On a Plate

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1210/VWOAP_EIA_2012_Executive_Summary.pdf.pdf
2012 Report Highlights:

The Festival’s contribution to both GDP (655K) and Full Time Equivalent Jobs (14) for the region has increased 49% on last year.

2012’s Festival had the highest participation of restaurants and events with 108 restaurants and 106 events across the region.

Festival visitors from outside the region were up 32 percent from previous years.

91% of visitors rated the festival as a success and plan to return again.

36% of Dine Participants used new local suppliers and 38% of events used new local suppliers.

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