News Release For immediate release September 28, 2009

Clarkson Is Right About Tourism Potential For Tauranga Says Tourism Expert

International tourism expert Andrew Te Whaiti says internationally-focused tourism is a missing link for Tauranga’s economy and the city has an opportunity to be ready for the onslaught of visitors expected with the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Responding to Tauranga developer and former MP Bob Clarkson’s proposal for a tourism venture along the Wairoa River, Te Whaiti says although he is not involved in the project, Clarkson is right in believing there is potential for cultural tourism here. He says Tauranga is rich with cultural history and has the talented people needed to create tourism experiences international visitors expect when they travel.

“Culture will play a large part of the offering for Tauranga, and that’s significant given that research shows a cultural experience is the number one ‘must do’ for overseas visitors to our country, no matter where they’re from.”

“But,” he adds,” it must be done very, very well. Visitors are generally astute, educated and knowledgeable. They can detect a contrived experience in the blink of an eye so whatever is done it must be well researched, authentic and real.”

He says with the way information is passed around social networking sites today, a bad experience will be related to the world just as fast as a spectacular experience.

“The opportunity is here, we just need to do things very well and to have different offerings throughout the city”.

Te Whaiti has been at the forefront of cultural tourism for many years and has returned to Tauranga to base his international business here. He is working with groups in Hawaii, Fiji and Arizona establishing and running cultural tourism businesses. He is now setting up an office in Phoenix as well as the Tauranga office.

He says while he is working from here setting up exciting experiences in other parts of the world he often reflects on the potential experiences in Tauranga given how attractive it is to visitors.

“There’s so much potential here and it is all untapped. We have the population but not the capacity at the moment. I am pretty passionate about changing that and am looking forward to working with key organisations like Tourism BOP to try and increase the volumes and also attract a more discerning visitor that will add significant value to the Tauranga economy,” he says.

His growing reputation in cultural tourism led to Te Whaiti being invited to Hawaii to help a private organisation establish authentic visitor experiences. He now spends part of each month in Hawaii and Phoenix.

The way each experience was built from scratch became the catalyst for Te Whaiti developing his own particular way of bringing a culture to life. He calls it ‘Ancient Ways, New Discoveries’.

“I simply facilitate the people of the land to tell their stories in their own way, and then we package it into a world class experience. It works because it is completely true to the area and the people. It can’t be copied. It can’t be replicated. There is no compromise, and there is a specific target market that seeks authentic experiences like this.”

From his work with Hawaiian and native American peoples, Te Whaiti is well aware of the difference a sound tourism business can make to those communities. Part of his role is to ensure the local people are empowered with the ability to understand the science of tourism, the product, the balance sheet and a cumulative approach to management

“Because we are using what already exists, it comes about very naturally. We are able to build a compelling world-class tourism related experience with financial returns and at the same time we ensure the protection, preservation and growth of certain aspects of the culture.”

He says Tauranga would benefit hugely by increased tourism activity – especially international tourism activity.

“We have so much richness here, it’s an exciting time for the city”.

Te Whaiti holds an MBA, is a former pupil of Tauranga Boys College, and represented both the Bay of Plenty and Waikato in rugby. He also sits on the board of the New Zealand Make A Wish Foundation.

ENDS

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