WEST COAST TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE
Kia ora,
The summer crowds may be fading, but its time to embrace the exciting possibilities of our winter season ahead. This newsletter is packed with everything you need to re-ignite consumer interest, build engagement, and capture media attention.
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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.
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Events
News
Development West Coast Tourism Team Gears up for Growth
The Development West Coast (DWC) Tourism Team is excited to announce a series of strategic staff changes that will position the region for even greater success in attracting visitors.
Welcoming New Talent:
China is calling - We're thrilled to welcome Taylor Tian to the team! Joining us part-time as the China Market Lead, Taylor brings a wealth of expertise to spearhead our efforts in this critical market. Get ready to see the West Coast shine even brighter in the eyes of Chinese tourists!
Double the Expertise - To strengthen our overall marketing and tourism efforts, we've created a brand-new role: Tourism and Marketing Executive. We're delighted to welcome Maia Peart-Anderson on board, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the team.
Farewell and Best Wishes:
A Fond Farewell - We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Patrick Dault, our Destination and Tourism Manager, who has accepted the prestigious role of General Manager Destination Great Lake Taupo. Patrick's leadership and vision have been instrumental in propelling West Coast tourism forward. We wish him all the very best in his new endeavor!
Maternity Leave and Cover - We're excited for Lara Thomas, our Tourism and Events Executive, as she prepares to welcome a new addition to her family later this year. Lara will be on maternity leave from October 2024. To ensure seamless operations during this time, we're pleased to announce Lucy Nilson as Lara's maternity cover.
This strategic reshuffle reflects DWC's commitment to staying at the forefront of West Coast tourism. With Taylor's market-specific expertise, Maia's dynamic approach, and Lucy's eagerness to learn, we're confident that the future of West Coast tourism is brighter than ever.
West Coast Being Showcased at TRENZ 2024
The event was full of appointments, presentations, activities and networking functions, with local operators showcasing the West Coast and their products and services to hundreds of international buyers from 25 markets.
Toko Kapea from the Pounamu Pathway said it was their first trip to TRENZ and found that as a new product, people were keen to learn more about Pounamu Pathway.
“Definitely a lot of work required both prior and after TRENZ. We have made some successful trade connections immediately and created the relationship for medium/long term commercial relationships. Proud to part of the West Coast collection of businesses.”
Rosie Rogers from Monteith's Brewery said it was their first TRENZ since 2019, and they had reconnected with a huge range of valuable buyers from all over the world.
“They’re very excited about their West Coast itineraries and bringing their guests through to Monteith’s Brewery and Greymouth and the rest of the West Coast. We’re really excited by the opportunities that have been created and certainly confident that we will get a return on our investment.”
West Coast on Show at MEETINGS 2024 with Delegates Discover New Zealand
Development West Coast collaborated with Delegates Discover New Zealand, joining them at MEETINGS 2024, New Zealand’s largest Business Events tradeshow, to introduce their Pre and Post Event Travel Solutions product, connecting Business Events delegates to regional New Zealand.
Recognising the significance of the regional travel experiences in attracting delegates and international conferences, Mitchell Corp, a renowned hospitality company, created the link to the regions, introducing their Delegates Discover New Zealand program (www.DDNZ.co.nz). Development West Coast collaborated with DDNZ and Scenic Hotel Group to create their initial West Coast itineraries, which have been incredibly well received, offering pre-packaged itineraries seamlessly integrated with major conferences. This comprehensive pre and post event delegate travel solution simplifies the leisure travel element for conference delegates and draws business out of the main centres into the West Coast, in the off-peak season, which is when conferences are typically held.
Karamea Walking Tree Wins 2024 Tree of the Year New Zealand
This extraordinary northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta), located near the Karamea Cemetery, captivated the hearts and imaginations of New Zealanders with its unique appearance and fascinating life story.
The Walking Tree was nominated by Bryan Bell, who highlighted its remarkable form and captivating presence. With its twin trunks stretched as if in mid-stride – and seemingly wearing high heels – this tree is a striking natural wonder. Its resemblance to one of Tolkien’s sentient, tree-like Ents has earned it the affectionate nickname, The Walking Tree. The tree was the clear favourite in the competition, running off with over 42% of total votes. Organisers were more than happy with the level of participation with voting more than double that from last year.
Haka House opens in Franz Josef
Formerly the YHA Franz Josef has now been refurbished to Haka House Franz Josef.
TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Service Launched
Great Journeys of New Zealand has launched a brand-new purpose-built carriage designed to enhance every aspect of your journey. As a visitor, or manuhiri, you are invited to immerse yourself in a full sensory experience, surrounded by a host of impressive new features.
Kawatiri Pounamu Pathway is Open to Explore
The Buller District celebrates as the Kawatiri Experience Centre, the second hub of the Pounamu Pathway, officially opens its doors. This immersive experience delves into four key themes: Wealth of the Land, Early Settlement, Ecstasy of Gold and People Pou.
Each exhibit showcases exceptional craftsmanship, meticulously brought to life by the renowned Wētā Workshop.
The Kawatiri Experience Centre marks a significant milestone for the Pounamu Pathway, an innovative tourism initiative that weaves together the cultural,
historical, and natural wonders of the West Coast. With the first experience centre, Māwhera Pā, having opened in Greymouth last December, the pathway is poised to become a leading attraction for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of this treasured region.
History and Pizza Collide at new Reefton Pizzeria
Reefton's Broadway Street has a new resident, opened June 27th, and serving up slices of history alongside its delicious pizzas. Bassano Pizza Parlour, housed in a 150-year-old building at the top end of the street, combines the charm of the past with modern culinary delights.
The restaurant is a tribute to owner Jennifer's great grandfather, Frank Bassano. Frank, a solo father who arrived on the West Coast in 1908 with his young daughter Enid, managed the North Brunner Mine before his passing. The Bassano family hails from Bassano Del Grappa in Italy, a detail reflected in the restaurant's name and, more importantly, its focus on wood-fired pizzas.
Jennifer and her husband Nigel, have equipped their establishment with top-of-the-line cooking equipment imported straight from Italy, including a state-of-the-art woodfired oven. This ensures an authentic taste experience for pizza lovers in Reefton.
Keep in Touch
Our Tourism team:
Patrick Dault, Destination & Tourism Manager
Lara Thomas, Tourism & Events Executive
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.