Visitors to see festival boost GDP

Thousands of people coming to see Pukekura Park sparkle are contributing more than $4.6 million to the Taranaki region.

An inaugural economic impact survey conducted by Venture Taranaki (VT) and New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) revealed nearly 8000 people from outside the region made a trip to New Plymouth for the TSB Festival of Lights last summer.

These visitors stayed an average of three nights and spent about $257 a day on accommodation, food and drink and shopping for a total contribution of $4.6m to the gross domestic profit (GDP).

The contribution to GDP is only $1m less than the $5.6 contributed by the Len Lye Centre in 2016.

NPDC chief operating officer Kelvin Wright said though the summer festival is focused on providing a fantastic event for the local community, it is pleasing to see so many others join the festivities.

‘‘We all know how lucky we are to have the TSB Festival of Lights on our doorstep, so it’s no surprise that word is spreading and people from outside Taranaki are coming to see what it’s all about,’’ Wright said.

‘‘With such a great summer calendar coming together for this season, we hope to see this visitor figure continue to grow as the festival continues.’’

VT chief executive Stuart Trundle said visitor spend during the event flowed into other sectors including restaurants and cafes, transport, retail and accommodation.

‘‘Over and above these quantifiable outcomes is the contribution the TSB Festival of Lights makes to the vibrancy of the district,’’ he said.

‘‘It helps to put New Plymouth on the map, makes coming to the district a memorable experience, especially for families, and adds to the desirability of the district as a place to live and visit.’’

The seven-week festival attracted more than 125,000 people during the

2016/17 season, with 68 per cent of visitors attending more than twice.

The total visitor spend added $4,686,417 to the region.

This season’s TSB Festival of Lights runs from December 16 to February 5.

It takes about six weeks to install the lights and cabling along a 3.5 kilometre route through the city’s main park.

This year, in addition to the Summer Scene and On-Stage calendars, a Summer Seniors programme has also been introduced to cater for those aged 60-plus.

Senior events include Pilates, Zumba, marimba and ukulele lessons, music from the Devon Hotel Brass Band and Tea and Tunes.

The event, which includes entertainment and afternoon tea on the TSB Bowl of Brooklands Stage, has been part of the festival for many years.

And its popularity has encouraged NPDC to add a second Tea and Tunes event.

NPDC venue and events manager Ron Murray said it was a natural extension to introduce a full Summer Seniors programme this year.

‘‘It makes good sense to reach out to our older community members.

‘‘The festival has offered a long standing Summer Scene programme with activities for kids and families. The Summer Seniors programme is a great compliment to this and it’s great to see such demand for the Summer Seniors events, especially in the first year.’’

The second Tea and Tunes event will be held on Tuesday 30 January

2018 from 1.30pm-3.30pm on the TSB Bowl of Brooklands stage.

Registrations are limited to 150 people and can be completed online at festivaloflights.nz or by calling 06

759 6060.