Capital injection needed for tourism
Piako district is being encouraged to grow its tourism capabilities, reporter
looks at how in our series on
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 the great things happening in the districts like Matamata-Piako, ‘‘but we can and will do a lot better’’.
Hobbiton is by far the jewel in the tourism crown, but for Dawson success is also measured by how the each community embraced its location to provide visitors a gateway into the experience.
The Piako district has plenty of Do you have a business story worth sharing with the rest of the region? Contact reporter Mike Bain: mike.bain@fairfaxmedia.co.nz potential to draw on for tourism but some of it needs tweaking while other parts need major investment.
Dawson is keen to see more investment around the The Hauraki Rail Trail.
Originally a cycle way was created but it’s now up to the communities along it to add value.
‘‘Tourists need to experience what locals enjoy, from a great swimming hole, a great bush walk, even a great cafe .’’
Signage and word of mouth are great places to start to increase the tourist experience.