Visitor touring route ‘top priority’
A CENTRAL Otago Touring Route promoting the Maniototo remains a ‘‘top priority’’ for those behind the project, as approvals and funding are ticked off.
Tourism Central Otago general manager Glenys Coughlan said this week the multiparty project one was one of four tourism projects being pursued this financial year, following the recent release of the new Central Otago District Council (CODC) Central Otago Tourism Strategy.
The touring route was approved by the council in December 2016, and will link Central Otago to Queenstown and Dunedin with a route that goes through the Maniototo.
At the time Ms Coughlan said touring routes were ‘‘a great vehicle for dispersing visitors beyond traditional tourism routes’’ and the proposed ‘‘off the beaten track’’ route would bring extra visitors and significant economic benefits for the Maniototo, and spinoffs for other parts of Central Otago.
She said this week the focus until now had been on getting the overall tourism strategic plan signed off, but the touring route remained a ‘‘top priority’’ and its timeframe should be known within the next couple of months.
The actual route had been approved by the CODC and funding allocated as part of annual plan, and written support had been gained from the mayors of the Queenstown Lakes and Dunedin districts.
The NZ Transport Agency was supportive of the project and willing to cofund it, Ms Coughlan said.
The project was expected to cost about $180,000, she said.
Most of the costs would be for signs, marketing and promotion, and infrastructure such as pullover bays along the touring route.
The three other projects being done this financial year were ‘‘brand identity’’, an overhaul of Tourism Central Otago’s website and marketing material; and the development of a 30year tourism masterplan.