Busy busy

Following hard on the heels of TRENZ, June proved to be another big month for the DRTM team. GM Don Gunn has been in Queenstown and Wellington on RTONZ (Regional Tourism Organisations of New Zealand) business and as part of that was among those who met with the Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor and National party tourism spokespersons.  Assistant GM Ruth Crampton and International Marketing Co-ordinator Haydn Marriner are currently in Australia doing sales calls and agency training in Sydney and Melbourne while C & I Co-ordinator Melissa Gray was in Wellington last week to update PCOs and associations on Rotorua product. Next Month Don heads to Asia - as part of a mayoral delegation to Beppu City in Japan and Nanjing in China as well as doing sales calls in Shanghai; Ruth and Melissa go to Christchurch for MEETINGS; and Ruth and Media Advisor Justine Southwick go to Wellington for the annual TNZ RTO trade and media workshops.

Craig the new Hayley

DRTM has appointed Craig Hammond to the role of Domestic and Events Co-ordinator. Craig will take up his new position on July 14. Although he has a Bachelor in Tourism Management from Waiariki Institute of Technology, Craig hasn’t previously worked in tourism however he does have strong sales and marketing experience mainly in the dairy and sawmill sectors. He replaces Hayley McVicar who is heading to Dubai with husband Craig.

Mark you diary

The next DRTM industry forum will be held on July 23. Details are yet to be finalised but it’s likely to be a half day update so mark your diary now.

Rotorua on show

A revamped version of our promotional DVD is being relaunched into the marketplace next week. The updated version has also been translated into Spanish and French so it means we now have the trade version of the DVD available in four languages – the two new ones plus Chinese and Japanese. Local operators going into these markets are welcome to pick up a copy of the appropriate language(s) from the office. Contact karlene@rotoruaNZ.com to arrange.  

Moving pictures

Those of you who have taken up the option to include a 30-second video clip within an individual web listing in the 2008/09 year are reminded that Web Co-ordinator Adrian Hodge is awaiting your clips. As Adrian has to convert and upload to the site for the planned July 1 launch date, he needs your material now. It’s also time to get all new or updated content and imagery on rotoruaNZ.com and our associated foreign language sites to adrian@rotoruaNZ.com. As DRTM’s new financial year starts on July 1 the best value for money will be gained by being ready to go live on that date.

Recognising support vital

Don joined with Destination Rotorua Tourism Board Chairman Warren Harford in Auckland on June 12 to pay tribute to Qantas for its support of Rotorua. They presented a framed certificate (signed by Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters on behalf of the city) to Grant Lilly, Qantas Airways’ regional GM New Zealand and Pacific. Qantas started jet flights to Christchurch and Queenstown in and out of Rotorua in April 2004. It is the only year-round jet service operating out of Rotorua and has been instrumental in growing Rotorua’s share of the lucrative US visitor market. Don said “The ability to fly between the two key tourism destinations of Rotorua and Queenstown has meant that visitors to Rotorua can stay here longer, rather than doubling back to fly out of Auckland.”

Access system using PIN

Local attraction and activities operators where this week invited by DRTM to join the PPINS - Police and Partners Intelligence Notification System - database. This joint Rotorua Police, RDC and DRTM initiative was launched in May 2007, and initially trialled via Rotorua's accommodation providers. The Rotorua Police are now keen to roll PPINS out to the wider tourism and hospitality community starting with attraction and activity operators.
If you’re an attraction/activity operator and haven’t yet received an email pertaining to this local suspicious activity email alert system contact Senior Sergeant Brent Crowe of the Community Services section of the Rotorua Police– Brent.Crowe@police.govt.nz. Brent says going forward they also plan to have regular messages sent around issues that may be of interest to tourism industry as well as notifications.

Seasons showcased

The main rotoruaNZ.com website now features a comprehensive seasonal showcase viewing gallery of Rotorua imagery. The move to add a more seasonal approach to imagery is in line with stimulating interest in Rotorua during shoulder and off season periods to show we are a year round destination. Click here to look at the gallery. We are also in the process of getting translations done so the gallery can be added to our four foreign language websites. Seventeen new images were also added to our online image library last week. As part of a continual improvement process all imagery that is downloaded via our online image and brand management company, www.e-see.com, now comes with a Terms of Use PDF to ensure both DRTM and operator imagery is protected from inappropriate usage as far as possible.
Click here to view the available selection of images.

Pleasing pay off

An online banner advertising campaign on six high profile websites during May and June (with a call to action driving them to rotoruaNZ.com), combined with an online Google Adwords campaign and some strong print advertising in travel and food publications (also directing them to rotoruaNZ.com) accounted for a 14.68% increase in traffic to the main site (26,329 visits between May 24 to June 24) compared to the previous four week period. It’s pleasing to see this growth and interest in Rotorua despite the fact that it’s the off season. Compared to this time last year the site has seen a 26.4% growth in the average amount of time spent on the site, a 29.25% increase in the number of pages being viewed on average during each visit and a 20.40% decrease in the bounce rate (those who come to look via a search engine but don’t stay). New Zealanders stay the longest (9:08 minutes on average) and look at the most pages (9.38 on average) followed by Australians (7:12 minutes and 9.92 pages), UK (5:25 minutes and 6.6 pages)

In foreign tongues

Launched in July 2007, DRTM’s www.rotorua NZ.jp website has so far proven to be our most popular foreign language site. The May 24-June 24 period saw record numbers - 26.83% increase in unique user visits – come to the Japanese site. Another fantastic result following on from last month’s massive 40.05% hike. Next most popular during the same period was our Chinese site followed by the Korean and Spanish sites respectively.

Visitor Statistics - April 2008

The 2008 Easter holiday break occurred in March versus April in 2007.  Similarly, the autumn school holidays typically fall entirely in April, but in 2008 ran through into the first few days of May. The change in timing of these two events is likely to have contributed to the decrease in visitor activity for the month of April.

New Zealand International Visitor Arrivals (IVA)
International visitor arrivals to New Zealand for the month of April 2008 were down 7.2% over April 2007. Arrivals were up from China (up 3.9%), however this was more than offset by fewer arrivals from other key markets - Australia (down 5.6%), UK (down 10.5%), US (down 19.9%), Japan (down 11.6%), Korea (down 18.8%) and Germany (down 6.9%).  

Rotorua Commercial Accommodation Monitor (CAM)
Visitor arrivals to Rotorua commercial accommodation providers for the month of April 2008 were down 2.6% over April 2007. Domestic visitor nights were up .9% and international visitor nights were down 11.3%, resulting in a 5.2% decrease in visitor nights overall. Nationally, visitor nights spent in commercial accommodation for the same period decreased 3.6%.

Rotorua Attraction Monitor
Visits to Rotorua Attraction Monitor participant businesses for the month of April 2008 were down 19.2% over April 2007. For the same period domestic attraction visits were down 26.0% and international attraction visits were down 15.8%. 

Most of the tourism monitors are freely available by subscription and can be downloaded from rotoruaNZ.com. For more information about Rotorua visitor statistics or to subscribe to any of the monitors contact Research Co-ordinator Gina George on 349 7289 or email gina@rotoruaNZ.com

Tweak for Te Puia brand

The redevelopment of Te Puia over the past 18 months culminated in a new look brand that was launched at TRENZ last month. CEO Te Taru White says “the redevelopment of Te Puia's brand completes what has been a four year project of rejuvenation of New Zealand's oldest tourism attraction, encapsulating the spirit of the valley, and the stories of the people.” The new logo includes traditional Māori motifs symbolising the living legacy of Te Puia. It draws on visual culture with the raperape (spiral pattern) denoting strength, the poutama (staircase design) signifying the connection between this world and other realms while the three strands of poutama represent people, culture and place. “These elements constitute our heritage,” says Te Taru.

Strength in numbers

The Wairoto – The Lakefront Experience group has grown with the addition of Mokoia Island – Wai Ora Experiences to its marketing collective. Wairoto spokesperson Ann Parker, of Volcanic Air Safaris, says that by joining forces, the lakefront operators - Mana Adventures, Volcanic Air Safaris, Kawarau Jet, the Lakeland Queen and now Wai Ora Experiences - are able to bring “exciting new packages” to the marketplace. She adds that original member Clark Gregor Trout Fishing is still playing a part in the collective but now sits under the Mana Adventures’ umbrella. Clark Gregor Trout Fishing director Murray Watson remains as the group’s treasurer with Volcanic Air Safaris director Phill Barclay the new chairman.

Lift off for Landing

Paul Connell of Clearwater Cruises officially takes over the Lake Tarawera Landing on July 1. He is so pro-active; their new website has already been launched. Check it out www.thelandinglaketarawera.co.nz.

Support these guys

Shop Rotorua Promotions Co-ordinator Cath Weston had been busy organising a local late night dining duty roster for local restaurants over the winter. She says although it’s “a little slim” it’s the first time a winter roster has been arranged so she is still pleased to have five restaurants on board who are willing to guarantee to be open to serve a hot meal until 10pm Thursdays to Sundays during winter. Running throughout July, August and September, the restaurants on duty are Lone Star, NB's Restaurant and Bar, Seismic Gastro Bar, Triple One Five Restaurant and Abracadabra Moroccan Restaurant. Cath adds that the hours reflect only the ‘on duty’ times on those days not the complete opening days and times of each venue.

Free lighting assessment

As mentioned in our May newsletter, come August Qualmark will be including Responsible Tourism Operations criteria in all assessments. To help businesses to start thinking about what energy efficiency initiatives they might want to introduce to  business, Qualmark sent out some information on lighting earlier this month. The email included an offer to hotels and motels of a free efficient lighting assessment. Ecobulb has teamed up with the Electricity Commission to offer free lighting assessments for hotels and motels. Contact Rachel.montjo@energymad.co.nz for more information. NB The offer is for a limited time.

Hobbiton revisited

Lord of the Rings fans will be delighted to learn that Peter Jackson is intending to return to Matamata to film The Hobbit and its sequel. The May 30 issue of The Travel Memo reported that the moviemaker has said publicly that they are planning – “with the permission of the landowner” - to rebuild the Hobbiton village on the Alexanders' family farm outside the town. As Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours, the farm has enjoyed more than 25,000 visitors a year since the original trilogy screened. “We hope that we will be able to rebuild Hobbiton bigger and even better than what it was for Lord of the Rings in the same location,” said Jackson. The Hobbit is due for release in 2011.

Last chance for early bird deal

Business columnist Rod Oram, Westpac Chief Economist Brendan O’Donovan, Rugby World Cup Chief Executive Martin Snedden and Director General of the Department of Conservation Al Morrison are among the “inspiring and thought-provoking” line-up of speakers at this year’s Tourism Industry Conference being held at the Christchurch Convention Centre, August 4/5.
Themed ‘Bringing New Zealand to the world, and bringing the world to New Zealand’, this year’s programme includes national and international experts who will provide industry operators with a snapshot view of tourism today.
Early bird registrations remain open until today, Monday, June 30. For further information phone 04 499 0104 or to view the conference programme go to www.nztourismconference.co.nz. The winners of this year’s Tourism Industry Awards will also be announced at a celebration evening during the conference. 

Wellness tourism

The inaugural New Zealand Wellness Tourism Symposium is being held in Nelson on September 18/19. The aim of the symposium is to set the scene for the strategic development of wellness tourism in New Zealand. Registrations are now open.

Practical assistance

Three new guides to the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 were released last week. Offering tourism operators practical ideas on how to enhance their businesses, the new guides – accommodation and hospitality, visitor activities and attractions and transport (land, air and water) – were jointly developed by TIA, the Ministry of Tourism and TNZ.
Click here for access to the new manuals.

Lodge wins inaugural Australasian section

Lake Okareka Lodge has been named as New Zealand’s leading luxury lodge in the 2008 World Travel Awards. Announced at a gala function in Sydney earlier this month, the accolade came via travel agents from around the world voting in the inaugural Australasian sector of the awards. Diana Moore, Country Manager for lebua Hotels and Resorts (owners of the lodge), says the company is rapt with the news and is thrilled to see a Rotorua tourism business getting accolades on the world tourism stage. “We’re over the moon about this honour. Our aim is for Lake Okareka Lodge to be recognised as one of the most exclusive luxury lodges in the world. Winning a World Travel Award tells us we’re well down the track to achieving that status. The lodge is currently closed while it undertakes a comprehensive development programme to “better meet the needs of our discerning international clients”.

Top cafés serving good coffee

Relish Cafe has been named Rotorua’s best café in the 2008 New Zealand Best Café Awards run by Cafe magazine. Relish was among 24 regional winners nationwide. Relish owners Ross and Liz Fowler are “elated” with their win which they attribute to their high levels of service and their great staff. Michael Guy, chief judge for the awards announced earlier this month, said Relish stood out because of “quality food, quality coffee, very friendly atmosphere and a very satisfying overall experience”. Rotorua’s Robert Harris Café was named the city’s second best café in the same awards. They also lay claim to having an award-winning barista on their staff.

Lead by example

A former concepts leader at Te Papa National Museum in Wellington joined the Te Puia team last month. The new Experience Manager at the iconic geothermal and cultural attraction, Karl Johnstone’s role is to look after the weaving and carving schools as well as the overall Te Puia ‘experience’ including guiding services. Karl told the Daily Post that Te Puia was more than just a place to view geysers and mud pools and watch a cultural show; it needed to take a leading role in helping develop Maori culture. He planned to do this by taking carvers and weavers' off-site to interact with schools and the community beginning later this year.

A big event

Event Manager for Events and Venues Emily Pritchard had an event of her own recently. Emily gave birth to a boy on June 6. Weighing in at 9lb 13oz, James is Emily and husband Michael Lavery’s first child. Emily is due to return from maternity leave in early October.

Depth of experience

Well known tourism operator Laurie Stokes has joined the Tourism Rotorua Travel and Information Centre team as a casual on call travel consultant. With 20 years experience in the tourism industry, Laurie and his wife Daphne ran the Geyserlink Shuttle until September last year. He has also been a Tour Manager for APT for the past four years.

Rhapsody Rotorua, International schools Music Festival, various times July 1/6, Rotorua Convention Centre.
www.groupevents.com.au
PIX IN HERE

Opshop in concert with guests Golden Horse, 7.30pm on July 9, Civic Theatre

The N-Duro Winter MTB Series Race No.3, classic old school styleMTB races over challenging terrain
9.30am on July 13, Whakarewarewa Forest
www.n-duro.co.nz

Michael Houstoun and the Opus Chamber Orchestra, playing a programme of Haydn with Houstoun conducting and also performing as the piano soloist,
7.30pm on July 26, Civic Theatre

For more information and a comprehensive list of events check out www.rotoruanz.com/events

We have collected your contact details. This information is collected to enable us to keep you up to date with tourism news pertinent to the Rotorua tourism market and keep you informed of the activities of the Destination Rotorua Marketing office. We will not disclose your contact details to third parties.

Jill Marshall
Communications Manager
Destination Rotorua Marketing
Private Bag 3007, Rotorua
Phone +64 7 349 7285
Fax +64 7 349 4133
jill@rotoruaNZ.com