Please distribute to all staff

November 18, 2010

In This Issue

• New Tourism Committee Chair Appointed
• Society of American Travel Writers
• Canterbury Earthquake
• International Update
• Domestic Update
• Visitor Activity Statistics
• Events - December 2010
• Dates for the Diary

New Tourism Committee Chair Appointed

Rotorua District Council has appointed former Pacific Blue Airlines chief executive Tony Marks to chair Rotorua’s new tourism committee.

Auckland-based Mr Marks was the inaugural CEO for Pacific Blue when the airline started operation in New Zealand. He previously served as chief executive of both Origin Pacific Airways and Zespri International and for nine years was general manager commercial for Air New Zealand International. 

He has also been chairman of the Marketing Council of New Zealand and is currently chairman of Redwood Cellars Ltd.

Mr Marks, who holds a Harvard honours degree, is on the board of a number of companies including Polynesian Blue Airlines, House of Travel, and Ngai Tahu Tourism Ltd.

Until recently he was a member of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and also played a role in developing AREDS - the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy.

Mayor Kevin Winters said that the council’s new tourism committee will replace the former Tourism Advisory Board. He said it would be tasked with driving the future direction of Rotorua’s international and domestic tourism marketing programme.

“The new committee will comprise five non-council business people and just one councilor, so we get the strongest possible tourism and business input into our all-important tourism strategies.

“Its reporting structure and terms of reference will mean a strengthened and more effective direct relationship between the tourism sector and the council,” said Mr Winters.

RDC chief executive Peter Guerin said Rotorua was fortunate to secure the services of Mr Marks as the committee’s independent chair as he brings a very impressive tourism background and strong business credentials to the committee table.

“In particular, Tony has a wealth of experience in marketing around the world, with senior roles in travel and other business sectors here in New Zealand and in UK, USA and South America. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Outgoing Tourism Advisory Board chairman Warren Harford said a multi-party selection panel had considered a number of very qualified people to head the committee but Mr Marks had been the “standout candidate”.

“We’re very confident that Tony is going to ensure the interests of Rotorua’s wider tourism sector are well represented and effectively articulated to the council. He has the skills and experience to do just that.

“The new partnership between the private sector and the council places us in a good position to work effectively together so we achieve great things for Rotorua.”

Mr Marks will now join a selection panel of council, iwi and private sector representatives to identify four non-council people for appointment to the tourism committee.

Society of American Travel Writers

Founded in 1956, the Society of American Travel Writers is North America’s pre-eminent professional organization of travel communicators whose purpose is to promote responsible journalism, provide professional support and development for its members, and to encourage the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.

This not-for-profit association is composed of writers, photographers, editors, electronic media, and broadcast/video journalists (collectively called Active members), and public relations representatives (called Associate members). The membership is approximately 1160 individuals. Almost all of the members live either in the United States or Canada.

Around 600 members will attend the annual Society convention, held between September and November next year in Wellington. Additionally, members may opt for pre- and post-meeting tours designed to highlight other regions surrounding the host destination. Pre/post tours typically range from 2 to 5 nights. Group size is capped, usually between eight and 20 participants.

Rotorua features in pre and post itineraries and recently two Society members were here to familiarise themselves with a selection of Rotorua activities, attractions and accommodation.

Eric Lindberg and Reid Bramblett were both very impressed and take back their observations and experiences to the society. We look forward to several member groups of this important, prestigious and influential group visiting Rotorua next year.

Canterbury Earthquake

Families affected by the Canterbury Earthquake continue to come to Rotorua for much needed respite from the stress of the last few weeks. With your assistance and generosity we have welcomed eight families to Rotorua so far. They all return home in much better shape after their Rotorua experience.

They're all very appreciative to have had the chance to rest and experience Rotorua. Here's a letter of thanks from one family.

We can't thank you enough for supporting us. We had a fantastic time. We were actually planning to be in Rotorua for NZ entertainer of the year, in which my daughter Gina was a finalist. The weekend of the earthquake was to be our major fundraising concert but sadly the club we were to hold it in was damaged and no one was in any condition to hold it anyway. We were going to cancel the trip and just send Gina to Rotorua, when Jason (Santa Maria Motel) stepped in. As a result we were all able to come and support her and get some much needed time out.

Gina went on to win that award so is now NZ Country Entertainer 2010. With your support we went to the Polynesian Spa which was so beautiful and relaxing, just what we needed. We also went to Rainbow Springs which was a big hit with the little kids, the gondola and luge was the favourite thing we did especially with the older kids and the grown ups, ha-ha. My favourite was Te Puia, being Maori myself it was nice to look at our culture and the beautiful surroundings and nature at her finest, all there in one place.

We all thank you so much for what you've done to support us and it was a lovely break from what was happening here. Gina has since lost her home to the quake so things are very worrying for her and her family at the moment. My home is now fine thank goodness. Once again, a big thank you Rotorua, your generosity and compassion is very much appreciated. Sharon.

International Update

Neuseeland News

DRTM advertisers throughout the year with Neuseeland News , the german travel Magazine in Print and online. (neuseeland-news.com). If you would like to advertise alongside the DRTM features, Neuseeland News is offering Rotorua operators a 30% discount off a 12 month contract subject to a minimum of 4 operators buying in. Over the year 50,000 copies of the print edition are distributed to German speaking travelers throughout the country.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity you should contact tina@neuseeland-news.com or call her on 021 350 936.

Famils

12th – 14th November – Sydney Retail Agents 4th – 7th November – Perth Travel Agency Managers 22nd – 25 October – Australia Wide – Retail Agents

Marketing Activity

Trade marketing Activity continues in Australia in partnership with ANZCRO and Newman Holidays brands until the end of this month.

Current Activity includes:

• Retail and Reservation staff Incentives
• Electronic Mail to Travel Agents Australia wide
• Shop Window displays Australia Wide
• Instore poster promotions

Wotif recently launched their online flight arm of there business. As part of the launch a number of Rotorua Tourism operators offered prizes as part of an overall Rotorua holiday on offer. A total of 4200 Australian’s opted in to receive additional Rotorua information which has been a great success.

Domestic Update

Domestic Update: For any clarification of any of the information in this section please contact craig@rotoruanz.com

Media Schedule

Domestic advertising of Rotorua has been promoted through the following online and print publications:

• Banner adverts on websites NZ Herald, Metservice, Wotzon, Sportzhub, View Auckland
• Print adverts include Walking NZ, NZ Mountain Biker & Adventure Magazine
• Upcoming editorial feature in Mindfood magazine

Mindfood – Rotorua Prize Promotion 

We are currently running a prize promotion campaign with Mindfood magazine with a holiday in Rotorua as the draw card. This joint venture with local operators and accommodation have enabled us to leverage promotion within the magazine as well as an online component featuring on their website and in e-newsletters sent direct to database. An entry landing page has also been created with a drive to increase our domestic database.

AA Travel

The next stage of our campaign with AA Travel has rolled out this month including Rotorua as the special feature within the November Go, See, Discover e-newsletter sent to over 55,000 subscribers.

A customised Rotorua hub page has also been developed for the AA Travel website including an introduction, Thrill me, Pamper me, Free me, Family and Hot Deal pages all with links back to www.rotoruaNZ.com. aatravel.co.nz/about-newzealand/official/rotorua/

Rotorua Locals Week - VFR Campaign

The first Rotorua Locals Week held during 1-7th November was a great success, thanks to all those involved and we look forward to holding this again next year. Our advertising campaign achieved good cut through and there seemed to be strong awareness of this promotion out in the community resulting in good numbers going through the doors. Now we trust that not only the awareness generated will further contribute to local numbers flowing through but also now they have had some amazing personal experiences they can share with VFR during the summer holidays!

Domestic Summer E-newsletter

The summer edition of the Rotorua e-newsletter is due to go out early December to our domestic database. If you have any significant updates you would like communicated within this please e-mail Craig at craig@rotoruanz.com

Visitor Activity Statistics

New Zealand Tourism Satellite Account – YE March 2010

(Source:  Statistics New Zealand)
Visitor expenditure in New Zealand for the year ending March 2010 was estimated at $22.4 billion.  International visitor expenditure increased 1.6% to $9.5 billion over the previous year, while for the same period domestic visitor expenditure increased 2.5% to $12.9 billion.  The $9.54 billion international visitor expenditure represents 18.2% of New Zealand’s total export earnings ($52.4 billion), making tourism New Zealand’s largest export earner for 2010, followed by dairy ($8.97 billion or 17.1% of exports).  182,000 full-time equivalent jobs, or 10% of the total New Zealand workforce in 2010 are estimated to be directly and indirectly supported by the tourism industry. Click here to view the full Tourism Satellite Account report.

International Visitor Arrivals (IVA) to New Zealand – Sep 2010

(Source:  Statistics NZ – External Migration)
International visitor arrivals to New Zealand for the month of September 2010 were up 1.0% over September 2009.  Arrivals were up from Australia (up 1.2%), China (up 17.9%), Germany (up 2.7%), Korea (up 40.9%) and Canada (up 2.6%).  There were fewer arrivals from UK (down 18.6%), USA (down 3.8%) and Japan (down 12.1%).

Rotorua Commercial Accommodation Monitor (CAM) – Sep 2010

(Source:  Statistics NZ – Commercial Accommodation Monitor)
Visitor nights spent in Rotorua commercial accommodation for the month of September 2010 were up 7.2% from September 2009 (versus -1.2% nationally) - domestic visitor nights were up 6.9% (versus -0.9% nationally) and international visitor nights were up 7.6% (versus -1.8% nationally).  For the same period, sectors of Rotorua commercial accommodation that had increased growth in visitor nights were hotels (up 13.8%), motels (up 4.6%) and backpackers (up 4.7%).  The only sector with decreased growth was holiday parks (down 3.4%).    

Rotorua Attraction & Activities Monitor – Sep 2010

(Source:  APR Consultants  – Rotorua Attraction & Activities Monitor)
Visits to Rotorua Attraction & Activities Monitor participant businesses for the month of September 2010 were up 2.2% over September 2009 - domestic attraction/activity visits were up 0.9% and international attraction/activity visits were up 3.0%.

Upcoming Statistics NZ releases

International Visitor Arrivals to NZ: October 2010 will be released 22 November 2010
Commercial Accommodation Monitor: October 2010 will be released 10 December 2010

Most of the New Zealand tourism monitors can be freely downloaded from tourismresearch.govt.nz

For more information about Rotorua visitor statistics or to subscribe to any of the Rotorua specific tourism monitors please contact Gina on (07) 349 7289 or gina@rotoruaNZ.com

Events - December 2010

Rotorua Christmas Parade

Saturday December 4, 2010
A Free Fun Family event to get the Christmas Spirit flowing this December. New, fun and exciting surprises are planned for the Rotorua Christmas... More info

Heads of State Tour

Thursday December 16, 2010
Heads of State Tour. With support from Chauncey Hannibal of Blackstreet. Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and band bring to New Zealand for... More info

Carols by Candlelight

Friday December 17, 2010
Rotorua Geyserland Lions Club will be holding Carols by Candlelight again this year. It will be an enjoyable celebration of Christmas for families... More info

Rotorua Charity Half-Ironman

Saturday December 18, 2010
New Zealand's most beautiful and friendly half-ironman, A 2km Swim in the beautiful Lake Tikitapu, followed by New Zealand's most scenic 90KM bike... More info

NZ Superstocks Champions

Monday December 27, 2010 - Tuesday December 28, 2010
The undisputed Premier event of New Zealand Speedway. The big boys with 500+ bhp that crash and bash their way to a NZ title. More info

BluesFeast 2011 Rotorua

Sunday January 30, 2011
Bluesfeast Rotorua Extravaganza of Music, Wine and Gourmet Food! Local and Regional artists are presenting a genre of top jazz and blues over eight... More info

Raggamuffin Festival

Saturday February 5, 2011
Raggamuffin returns to Rotorua in 2011 with another solid international line-up including, for the first time in NZ, Mary J Blige who will headline... More info

For more information or to check out the latest events, go to rotoruaNZ.com/events

Dates for the diary

Blue = Destination Rotorua Marketing participation

2010

October and November (TBC), Familiarisations - NZ and Australia

5-7 December, PCO Conference – Hobart

 

Recipient and sender details

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.

David Whorwood
Marketing Manager
Destination Rotorua Marketing
Private Bag 3007, Rotorua
Phone +64 7 349 7280
Fax +64 7 349 4133
marketing@rotoruaNZ.com