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MEDIA RELEASE 1 May 2009

Mayor calls for regional tourism organisations to work as one to promote South Island

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is calling on all the tourism organisations in the South Island to work together to promote the region.

"The truth is that we live in the best country in the world: the South Island of New Zealand," says Mr Parker.

"There's no doubt we're in economically challenging times, but we must also look at this as a unique time of opportunity. Spending patterns will change, and we need to move to ensure we are in a position to make the most of that. Tourism represents a major opportunity for this island, and I believe we have only scratched the surface of its potential. As Lord Rutherford said "we don't have much money so we have to think"."

Mr Parker says Prime Minister John Key indicated while in Christchurch yesterday that if the South Island's tourism promotion organisations were acting in a more cohesive way then Central Government may be more open to helping with additional funding.

"I believe we should rise to that challenge and recognise that in a time of economic constraint we need to think as one island, act as one island, and promote the South Island as the complete tourism destination."

"At this time it is really important not to drop the ball. It's also a time for us to focus on promoting the South Island as a destination as a whole. I think we should look at developing a South Island strategy, which can allow us to make the most out of the money spent on promoting our regions. Our real strength can come from working together, not all pulling in different directions."

"The South Island has so many incredible aspects which tourists are looking for, and love when they get here. I'm sure all of the regional tourism organisations do a wonderful job for their regions, but why not also work together to let tourists know that the South Island has more than just a few unique offerings. In fact there are a dramatic range of attractions and we can offer the whole package right here in our amazing South Island."

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