Christmas good wishes

The DRTM team - Don Gunn GM, Ruth Crampton, (Assistant GM), Jill Marshall (Communications Manager), James Fitzgerald (International Marketing Co-ordinator), Craig Hammond (Domestic and Events Co-ordinator), Gina George (Research Co-ordinator), Adrian Hodge (Web Development Co-ordinator), Justine Southwick (Media Advisor) and Karlene McCormack (Office Administrator) - wish industry colleagues, stakeholders, contractors and suppliers a safe, happy and prosperous year (even if we will all have to work a little harder to get that business for Rotorua in the coming year). And if you need reassurance that the DRTM team will do virtually anything to get folk to notice Rotorua, just take a look our sustainable Christmas e-card developed in-house by our web man, Adrian. Click here for Don and dancing elves or Ruth and dancing elves.

N.B. The marketing office will be closed from noon on December 24 to 8am on January 5. The Tourism Rotorua Travel Office and Information Centre will remain open daily during the holiday season excluding Christmas Day. Hours are 8am-6pm to Dec 24, 8am-7.45pm Dec 26 to Jan 9 and 8am-7pm Jan 10 to Feb 8.    

Hills hit digital screens

DRTM’s new summer television commercial will be launched on the digital network from December 27. Aimed at New Zealand families, the TVC features Rotorua’s Hill family who were chosen from a talent search we initiated via The Daily Post back in August. Click here
for a sneak preview and what programmes it will be wrapped around.

Winning photographs will promote Rotorua

DRTM is the driving force behind a new event for Rotorua. With the backing of the Rotorua Camera Club, the Rotorua Arts Village, Te Ihi Te Wehi Arts Festival as well as fantastic support from the tourism industry including a $5000 jade trophy plus $5000 in cash, the inaugural Spirit of Rotorua Photography Competition is about to be publicly launched. DRTM’s Communications Manager Jill Marshall says the underlying aim of the competition (and accompanying exhibition) is to uncover and showcase local talent. “Ultimately we would like to be able to use winning images to promote our destination to the rest of New Zealand and the world.” Local photographers will be invited to participate in capturing the ‘Spirit of Rotorua’ via the geothermal, adventure, environment, adventure, spa, industries and people that embody the essence of Rotorua. The $1000 supreme winning entry, category winners and other commended entries will be displayed at an exhibition to be held at the Rotorua Arts Village, March 10-21, as part of the 2009 Te Ihi Te Wehi Arts Festival. A web page set up on rotoruaNZ.com early in the New Year will cover off full details about the competition, prizes, sponsors, conditions of entry and entry forms. Contact jill@rotoruaNZ.com for more information. 

Hold on tight, here comes Rotorua

Rotorua is dangling a carrot on front of Aucklanders who are holidaying in the Mt Maunganui and Tauranga area over the festive season. Up outside Bay Park Stadium (on SH2) during December and January, the 12m x 3m NZ Riverjet adventure billboard, pictured, is designed to tempt beach-goers into either coming to Rotorua for a day-trip or entice them to think about Rotorua for their next holiday. Assistant GM Ruth Crampton says it’s a good example of an excellent operator image being put to use to promote the destination. She advises operators to let DRTM know if they think they have images that could be used for generic promotional purposes. 

Nominations for tourism board called for

The biennial Destination Rotorua Tourism Board re-elections are coming up and calls for nominations will go out the industry before Christmas. The current nine elected industry representatives are: Warren Harford (chair), Bryan Hughes, Neville Nicholson, Renee Nathan, George White, Mike Johnson, Doug Tamaki and Pam McGrath. Duncan Fletcher, representing the Rotorua Hotel Council, is a co-opted member. The rest of the board is made up of RDC councillors Mike McVicker, Trevor Maxwell and Karen Hunt and DRTM General Manager Don Gunn. Expressions of Interest will go out prior to Christmas, nominations will close on January 23, voting will be completed by February 13 and election results announced on February 16. The voting process will be overseen by the Rotorua District Council’s Electoral Officer Peter Christophers.

Collateral at print stage

DRTM’s twice yearly trade and media update, In Essence, is now at the printers as is the 2009 Rotorua Visitor Guide. The RVG will be available prior to Christmas while we will do a mail out of IE in early January. Go to rotoruaNZ/trade/downloads.php

rotoruaNZ.com leads the way

DRTM is once again leading the way with the integration of Google Maps’ Street View into the rotoruaNZ.com website. As far as we are aware, we are the first RTO website to tap into the new Street View feature. When users are on rotoruaNZ.com exploring Rotorua’s accommodation, cultural and attraction options, they can seamlessly see the actual street view angle of any operator business advertising on the site to get a feel for the environment and to allow them to take a virtual tour of the street. The seventh country in world to have the on-the-ground mapping service available to them, New Zealand Google Street View was officially launched on December 1. The new service was integrated onto rotoruaNZ.com just 10 days later by our Web Development Co-ordinator Adrian Hodge. Communications Manager Jill Marshall says “The next step is integrating the programme into our five foreign language sites in the new year.”

More of the same

Traffic on rotoruaNZ.com in the past month, Nov 15- Dec 15, is pretty much as we reported in the November newsletter (three weeks ago). Compared to this time last year, the site has seen a 10% decline in traffic however there is still lots of good news; those coming to the site are continuing to stay longer and look at more. Average pageviews are up 40% while the time spent on the site has increased by 21%. The fact that 33% of traffic was returning visitors and the bounce rate is down by 27% is also positive stuff. The highest visitor count to rotoruaNZ.com in the past month came from Auckland, Sydney, Wellington and Hamilton followed by Rotorua. And apparently many of those searchers still find Rotorua hard to spell as they searched using rotarua, rotoroa, rotura, roturua or rotorura as the key word.

Big brother is watching you

Using Goggle Analytics, DRTM knows 75% of visitors to our main site in the past month were using Internet Explorer on Windows. We also know rotoruaNZ.com had 34 visits from Apple iPhones and iPod Touches, visitors had 90 different screen resolutions and the four most popular ones (1024 x 768, 1280 x 800, 1280 x1024 and 1440 x 900) made up more than 75% of all of our visitors in the past month.

Race to go to V8s

After 16 years of operation, sprint car racing is to come to an end at Off Road NZ in 2009. Although the company has successfully run some 120,000 sprint car races since Off Road NZ was established in 1992, the sprint cars will be superseded by karts next year when a 1.2km international kart racing track is opened on Off Road NZ land in conjunction with the Rotorua Kart Sport Club. To mark the end of an era - and the start of a new one -every purchaser of a sprint car race (until the end of February 2009) will go into the draw to win three tickets to the final race day of the Hamilton 400 V8 Super Cars on April 19. The prize includes general admission, pit passes and parking. Built to meet international kart racing specifications, the new kart track will give Rotorua the ability to host national and international kart racing. When the track is not in use for national kart race meetings, the new facility will be available to Off Road NZ clients. The imported karts will be capable of speeds of up to 120kph on the 150m home straight. Off Road NZ’s Marketing Manager Sandra Blackledge says an announcement about the kart track’s opening date will be made early in the New Year.

The Streat gets Christmas makeover

Great to read in last Friday’s Daily Post that The Streat dining area between Pukaki and Whakaue Streets is to get a major revamp in time for Christmas. Owner/operators of restaurants, café and other businesses in the area have worked with the Rotorua District Council in order to create the first step in the planned revitalisation of the CBD. For an initial trial period (December 22 through to March 2009) the area will be given a fresh look and rebranded as Eat Streat. The main focus of the revamp will be turning the Tutanekai Street block into a pedestrian-only precinct for alfresco dining and adding an outdoor platform for live musicians to entertain diners. New co-ordinated street furniture, umbrellas, trees and planter boxes will add to the atmosphere. The project is being jointly funded by council and the area’s businesses. Eat Streat will become a permanent fixture on Rotorua’s cityscape if the trial proves successful. 

Always polite to ask

“Assume nothing – always ask a local.” That is the tourism industry’s recommendation to freedom campers this summer. The New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum (NZFCF), convened by the Tourism Industry Association, launched a new website www.camping.org.nz last week. Both the website and supporting promotional material including the poster (pictured) encourage freedom campers to ‘ask a local’ before they pitch a tent or park a campervan. The message will be prominently displayed by participating campervan operators. i-SITE visitor information centres, Department of Conservation Visitor Centres and participating holiday parks will be promoted as sources of information for freedom campers. TIA Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor says “Freedom camping in the wrong places or without appropriate management is having negative environmental, social and economic impacts in some regions. Freedom camping is a popular way to enjoy New Zealand and we don’t want to prohibit people from travelling that way, but we do want to minimise the negative impacts.” Click here to check the key points from the forum.

Getting it together for Rotorua campervan visitors

As there are no consistent rules for freedom camping throughout New Zealand, visitors sometimes struggle to understand that what is acceptable in one district might not be the case in other places. In supporting the tourism industry’s national campervan “Assume nothing - always ask a local” campaign, DRTM has taken a number of significant steps. Rotorua i-SITE staff have been briefed on information needs specific to campervan visitors in the Rotorua district, a campervan visitor specific page will be loaded to the rotoruaNZ.com website before Christmas and a brochure for distribution to campervan visitors will be available from mid January. Both the brochure and website page will alert campervan visitors to Rotorua that freedom camping is a prohibited activity in the Rotorua district and direct visitors to consider alternative accommodation options. Also included in the information will be advice on parking longer motorhomes, security precautions, holiday park locations, and public sewage dump station locations.

One off Steve’s bucket list 

Multi-sport legend Steve Gurney was in Rotorua earlier this month to promote his book, Lucky Legs. Winner of the famous Coast to Coast extreme multi-sport event nine times, Steve accepted an offer from Rotorua’s NZONE skydiving to do a tandem jump – something he had never tried before. In true Gurney style, the man showed nerves of steel by jumping out of the plane at 15,000ft and casually reading his book while plummeting towards the earth. One of the world’s most successful extreme endurance adventure sport athletes before his retirement, Steve pronounced the tandem skydive awesome. “What a fantastic buzz, fantastic view and a great team of people! I can definitely tick that one off my bucket list now,” he said.

Redwoods go smokefree

A major new health initiative will be rolled out in Whakarewarewa Forest this weekend when The Redwoods, as well as children’s playgrounds throughout the district, become Smokefree on Saturday, December 20. The aim of Rotorua District Council’s Smokefree Outdoor Spaces Policy is to make non-smoking around children the norm while at the same time making the district a cleaner, healthier place to live. Garry Page, Parks and Recreation Manager for the RDC, says a number of other councils have already adopted similar policies in support of healthy practices around children with significant success. “We want to replicate that success here and are pleased to be partnering with Health Rotorua PHO, Toi Te Ora and the Health Sponsorship Council on this project. Clearly we all have similar objectives around healthy outdoor spaces for our young people, and a clean and safe environment for everyone,” said Garry.

Access to prime water

Watermania are increasing their operating hours during the daylight saving period. Ross Powell of Watermania says the amount of enquiry they have had from dedicated overseas skiers interested in accessing “prime glassy water either early morning or late at night” has lead to an extension of their operating hours. Their services will now be available from 6am to 8pm daily.

Invitation to rave about NZ

Tourism New Zealand launched a new marketing concept last week that uses a mobile recording studio to capture visitors’ stories about their time in New Zealand. International visitors will be invited to record their own short video diary which Tourism New Zealand will then edit and post on social networking sites, all within minutes. The concept is thought to be a world first for a national tourism organisation. The 100% Pure New Zealand “Have your Say” studio is the second phase of the ‘What Do You Say UK?” campaign which was launched in London in September. The campaign uses comments from British tourists in New Zealand as the basis for its television commercial.

Lodge chef appointed

Guests at the Rotorua’s Lake Okareka Lodge now have the exclusive services of David Robinson as their own personal chef. David comes to the Rotorua from Maungatautari Lodge, Cambridge, where he was head chef. Prior to that he was head chef at Nelson’s Paratiho Farms luxury lodge. His overseas experience includes positions with exclusive Relais and Chateaux establishments in Scotland and Ireland, and the Hilton-St Eemins in London. His appointment coincided with the re-opening of the lodge on December 18 following a major makeover and refurbishment programme. lebua’s country manager Diana Moore says David bring both international and New Zealand experience to the role which is important to the lodge’s culinary objectives.

Change for Princes Gate

Accor will relinquish the management rights to the Princes Gate Hotel effective January 1, 2009. Following a year under the Accor umbrella, the hotel will return to owners Brett and Vlasta Marvelly.

Lava is hot with backpackers

Rotorua’s Lava Bar was named the ‘Best Backpacker Night in New Zealand’ in the annual Golden Backpack Awards. Australasia’s only dedicated awards programme for the independent travel sector, the Golden Backpack Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on November 13. Part of Base Hot Rock Rotorua, the Lava Bar was up against the Fat Camel Bar, Auckland, The World Bar, Queenstown and the Altitude Bar, Base Queenstown. Hot Rock Manger Russell Stokes is thrilled with the win saying the award gives them great satisfaction as it was voted by their guests and patrons themselves. “The Lava Bar underwent a major extension and refurbishment programme in 2007, so it’s good to see that the months of hard work and planning that went into the redevelopment were well and truly worth the effort. The atmosphere is great and the dance floor is always thumping; our travellers love getting a chance to meet genuine Kiwis while locals get to meet backpackers from all over the world.” 

Inspirational Speaker of the Year

Rotorua motivational speaker Ngahihi Bidios has been honoured with Speaker of the Year and Inspirational Speaker of the Year titles at the National Speakers’ Association of New Zealand annual awards. Ngahihi credited his success to having a passion for what he does, and said his career as a professional speaker and business/education consultant had skyrocketed over the past year. His speeches, based on ancient wisdom for modern day solutions, were finding wide appeal.

Milly good as gold

Congratulations also to the Millennium Hotel Rotorua for being Rotorua’s first accommodation provider to achieve a Qualmark Enviro Gold logo. Other local tourism businesses who have already stepped up to benchmark themselves via the new Qualmark scheme are: Rainbow Springs (gold), Alpin Motel and Conference Centre (silver) Agrodome (silver), Rotorua Aquatic Centre  (silver) and 124 on Brunswick (bronze). Qualmark Enviro logos recognise businesses that are actively participating in waste management, energy efficiency, conservation initiatives, community activities and water conservation.   

Return of style and glamour

The former Regent Motel re-opens as The Regent of Rotorua this weekend.  The old property has had a major facelift to provide “Rotorua's newest boutique accommodation,” according to new owner Darryn Whitehead. Darryn says Stage One embraces the character of the existing building and kept hints of the glamour of the 50s and 60s but completely refreshed the rooms to include all the modern comforts, such as monsoon showers, flat screen televisions and soaker baths in all suites. He says they are aiming to be an oasis of understated contemporary elegance and comfort amid the excitement of the attractions of Rotorua. Check out their website www.regentrotorua.co.nz

Cat on prowl on Rotoiti

A new business based around a 50ft luxury sailing catamaran (able to accommodate up to 40 guests) is about to be launched on Lake Rotoiti this month. Two Rotorua couples with extensive business and sailing experience jointly purchased the yacht in the Caribbean and sailed it back it back to New Zealand. Now refitted to luxury standards, the vessel is the basis of a new charter business, Pure Cruises, offering Lake Rotoiti cruising. Spokesman Matt Horder says the vessel is ideally suited to incentive groups, conference delegates, small tour groups and FITs. He adds there will even be opportunities to help sail the yacht. The catamaran is based at Okawa Bay, Mourea.

Interact with kea

Known as highly inquisitive ‘clowns’, the kea is rated as one of the world’s most intelligent birds so it’s no surprise they enjoy interaction with people. Paradise Valley Springs is making the most of that trait by housing their six keas in a new walk-through kea den. Springs owner Stuart Hamlett says the new offering will be a ‘win win’ situation for the park as guests are interested in kea while the birds appear to enjoy human contact.

Tell your sustainability story

Sometimes business owners might wonder whether their customers notice what they are doing towards sustainability so it is gratifying to see in the Rotorua Regional Visitor Monitor that one respondent took the time to make this comment: “The camping ground used bio-degradable rubbish liners!”  However, often customers will not know what great sustainability actions are being undertaken behind the scenes so it is important for business to consider how they can communicate those actions. Qualmark has acknowledged the importance of communicating to visitors what sustainability actions have been implemented by including a requirement for having a Responsible Tourism Statement as part of the new Qualmark Green criteria. The key reason for this statement is that it demonstrates that a business has thought about its impacts and has assessed where it can make improvements to help the environment. The Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter provides assistance to its members in formulating these statements and welcomes new members who would like a helping hand towards improving their Qualmark Green score. For more information on becoming a member of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter please contact Gina George by email gina@rotoruaNZ.com or phone 349 7289.

Another promotion for Jeff

The new Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Hotel Management, Jeff Shearer, is a former Rotorua’s hotel GM.  Previously chief development officer, Jeff joined the group as GM of Heritage Auckland in 1999. In 2003 he was promoted to senior GM - North Island. In his time in Rotorua he was GM at the Kingsgate Hotel, probably when it was still sat under the old Quality brand. 

Carols by Candlelight
December 19, 2008
Celebrate this local Christmas tradition, Kuirau Park

Mardi Gras
December 31, 2008
Family concert to celebrate the New Year, Village Green, Rotorua Lakefront.

Wild Moa Multisport Event
January 10, 2009
Starts at Lake Okataina

Bike Vegas N-Duro Summer MTB Cup
January 11, 2009
No.1, 25km or 45km MTB races
Long Mile Road, Whakarewarewa Forest

World Invitational Superstock Championships
January 16/17, 2009
International speedway action, Paradise Valley Raceway

Annual Blue Lake Rowing Regatta
January 17/18, 2009
See some of NZ’s premier rowers, Blue Lake

Centennial Annual A and P Show
January 24-25, 2009
Riverdale Park, Ngongotaha

Blue Lake Multisport Festival
January 24-25, 2009
Blue Lake

Lakeside Concert 2009
January 31, 2009
Free outdoor concert, Village Green

For more information on these and other events, go to 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