Build a gateway for travellers
‘‘Telling people the right stories is essential.’’
Hamilton can play a major part in the fortunes of increasing tourism into heartland Waikato. If the region is to take advantage of the current tourism boom, a large capital injection of funding is needed.
Capitalising on international visitors’ preference to start and end their New Zealand experience in the Waikato, the business communities are encouraged to offer more value.
Heading the regional tourism organisation, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism, Jason Dawson is encouraging businesses close to tourist operators to add value, and for residents to help drive the region by being enthusiastic about what is here.
The Waikato has so much to offer ‘‘as so many new residents are discovering’’, said Dawson.
‘‘We need to get out and tell others what we enjoy about the Waikato, from our favourite fishing spot to our favourite restaurants.’’
The Waikato has an abundance of sporting, music, arts cultural and niche events, an audit is being carried out to see ’’what can be grown from a community event to something larger’’.
‘‘It’s not just events, we are encouraging business people to invest into the region’s infrastructure to drive visitor experience.’’
Experiences associated with the Hauraki Rail Trail, more three-to- five star accommodation, better transport services linking tourist hot spots, more events and better experiences are the tip of the iceberg for what Dawson wants for the region.
He acknowledges great things are happening in Hamilton, ‘‘but there is so much more we can and will do a lot better’’, he said.
‘‘Telling people the right stories is essential,’’ Dawson said, pointing to the famous Waitomo region with its glow worm caves, where value has been added with Black Water Rafting.
‘‘Bigger opportunities can exist by adding value with science, technology, history, agricultural, accommodation and transport ventures.
‘‘Flights in and out of Hamilton have increased with bigger planes, and with the Waikato Expressway linking Auckland, we are starting to notice domestic travellers opting out of the flight delays and traffic issues common with Auckland.’’
The Waikato region is New Zealands fifth largest tourism region behind Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch where visitor expenditure exceeds $1.3 billion per annum.