WEST COAST TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE
Kia ora
Winter’s icy grip has descended on the Coast, transforming our region into a breathtaking wonderland for locals and visitors. This newsletter is your compass to navigating consumer enthusiasm, fostering trade relationships and capturing media attention.
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Media
Digital Marketing Opportunities for Your Business
Get your business featured in our marketing campaigns, website and social media content.
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Trade
Tourism New Zealand - User Generated Content Project
Tourism New Zealand's core markets have been priming agents to keep New Zealand top of mind through inspirational and educational content presented in a variety of formats to pique interest.
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Opportunity: WeChat Pay Golden Week Campaign
Tourism New Zealand will be partnering with WeChat Pay to encourage Chinese visitors to see and do more in New Zealand over the 2024 Golden Week (1 – 7 Oct 2024).
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Manaakitanga ki te Tai Poutini Hui | West Coast Tourism Summit 2024
The West Coast Tourism Summit - On the Road to 2030!
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Image Library
To assist you with your brochures and other materials, we are pleased to provide you with some free assets that you may use.
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TOURISM PRODUCT UPDATES
We want to hear more from you, so we’ve created a platform called ‘Tourism Product Updates’.
The Tourism Product Updates aim to provide a platform for tourism operators on the West Coast of New Zealand to effectively communicate and update the regional tourism organisation and economic development agency about new developments, product updates, and increase general awareness for their tourism products.
Got something to share? Book your 30 minute in-person or online session with us today - Calendly Events Development West Coast
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Events
News
Andrew Aitken Appointed as Destination and Tourism Manager for Development West Coast
Development West Coast is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Aitken as the new Destination and Tourism Manager, commencing 23 September.
Andrew Aitken brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, with a strong background in tourism development, strategic planning, and community engagement. His appointment marks a significant step forward for Development West Coast as it continues to promote the region as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
In his new position, Aitken will be responsible for leading initiatives that enhance the West Coast’s tourism offerings, fostering sustainable tourism growth, and strengthening the region’s brand presence in the competitive tourism market. "The West Coast is an incredibly unique destination, and I am excited to join the team to further develop and highlight all that the region has to offer domestic and international visitors,” said Aitken.
He will work closely with local businesses, stakeholders, and government bodies to ensure the West Coast remains a vibrant and attractive destination.
West Coast Showcased in India
Development West Coast (DWC) recently joined seven other New Zealand operators to meet key Indian travel agents that already sell New Zealand packages and to hold training sessions with qualified agencies that are looking to develop New Zealand itineraries.
Patrick Dault, DWC’s Destination and Tourism Manager, said India is a promising market that is set to grow substantially in the next decade.
“Positioning the West Coast, and our tourism operators, as an essential part of all New Zealand itineraries is key to making the most of this opportunity.”
During the sales roadshow, DWC engaged with more than 300 agents.
Pounamu Pathway shortlisted for 2024 World Architecture Festival
The finalists for the 2024 World Architecture Festival have just been announced, featuring remarkable buildings from around the globe, including London, Istanbul, Melbourne, and Greymouth!
The 2024 World Architecture Festival, scheduled for 6-8 November at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, will showcase the best in global architecture. The Pounamu Pathway's inclusion in the Completed Buildings – Culture category is a testament to its outstanding design and cultural significance.
Skydive Franz Josef Glacier
The only helicopter skydive in New Zealand can now be experienced in Franz Josef!
Helicopter skydiving is a unique experience that is only offered commercially in only a few locations worldwide. Skydive Franz Josef Glacier has just announced their new 10,000ft helicopter tandem skydive – one of the rarest skydive experiences in the world!
Australia Roadshow
Development West Coast recently made a splash in the Australian travel market, showcasing the region's unique offerings to a diverse range of travel agents. The delegation, which included Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, Shantytown Heritage Park, Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, and Underworld Adventures, embarked on a tour of major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
The delegation met with over 100 agents from various businesses, including Hello World, Viva Holidays, Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, Worldstrides, Grand Pacific Tours, Inspiring Vacations, TripAdvisor, Australia & Beyond, Tourism New Zealand, Infinity Holidays, ANZCRO, Flight Centre, and Travello.
While most appointments were conducted in-office, the delegation also hosted a successful presentation lunch for 42 Australian inbound agents. The event provided an opportunity to showcase the region's diverse attractions and experiences in a more intimate setting.
The successful Australian Roadshow demonstrates the growing popularity of the West Coast as a travel destination. As the region continues to promote its unique offerings, it is poised to attract even more visitors from Australia in the coming seasons.
Keep in Touch
Our Tourism team:
Patrick Dault, Destination & Tourism Manager
Taylor Tian, Tourism - China Market
Lucy Nilson, Tourism & Events Executive (maternity cover)
We are here to help, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need support becoming trade ready.
Please take a moment to update us with what’s happening on your end too. We need to know, experience, and understand your business and product offering so we can help connect your products with the world. Pictures, information, factsheets, and product updates are all very useful and can be included in our Trade E-Newsletter which gets distributed to agents world-wide.