Tourism opportunities in controversial Plan

MEDIA RELEASE
9 February 2010

Tourism opportunities in controversial Structure Plan

Tourism operator representatives have joined Taupo Inc to help advocate collectively for economic growth in the district.
 
Regional Sales & Marketing Manager for Ngai Tahu Tourism, owners of iconic Hukafalls Jet, Michelle Caldwell, said today that the Draft Structure Plan provides many opportunities for growth and activation of the visitor industry.

“Taupo is already a unique visitor destination,” said Mrs Caldwell.  “But we are in a very competitive environment, and any new products or infrastructure that we can develop to stay ahead of the game will benefit the wider Taupo community.”

Chairman of the (transition) Lake Taupo Tourism Advisory Board, Seamus O’Sullivan, endorses the opportunities presented in the Draft Structure Plan to encourage economic growth through tourism activity.

“Taupo has a great range of visitor activities and services,” said Mr O’Sullivan.  “What we need is diversity and reasons to encourage visitors to stay for another day in the Taupo district.  One more day per visitor will equate to millions of dollars into the Taupo economy, and help keep hundreds of locals employed.”

“It is unfortunate that the Civic Centre concept has become controversial, as I feel many have lost sight that one of the original premises for the proposal was to enhance and extend our Museum and events space to help drive more money into the heart of Taupo,” said Mr O’Sullivan.  “Feasibility studies on the proposed Museum component show the new centre would result in some visitors to Taupo staying for an extra half day, which could equate to an extra $90 million being spent on accommodation, shopping, eating out and participating in Taupo activities.”

Local tourism operator, Martin ‘Fritz’ Frohlke, adds that the ETA provides some challenges for sustaining economic growth in Taupo through tourism.

“There is a risk that some self-drive tourists may head on down the ETA and not stop in Taupo at all once the new road is open,” said Mr Frohlke.  “We need to ensure that the centre of Taupo remains a hub for the district and a vibrant drawcard for visitors.  We’re also very keen to develop both ends of the ETA as tourism activity hubs to encourage visitors to stop and explore the district.”

“There are already some great visitor activities at both the airport end and Wairakei end of the ETA, and we now need to make sure the Structure Plan zoning changes will allow further growth and development of these sites,” said Mr Frohlke.
 
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