For immediate release
April 1, 2011

Quality Marks for Tourism Rotorua’s i-SITE

One of New Zealand’s most hardworking tourist information centres has had its commitment to providing service excellence acknowledged in its latest quality assessment.

Tourism Rotorua’s i-SITE, which assists more than 900,000 visitors seeking advice and assistance each year, achieved an overall Qualmark score of 87%, an improvement of 6% on its 2009 score.

The team’s commitment to sustainability has also resulted in a Qualmark Enviro Bronze Award being granted.

Qualmark assessor Colin MacPhee said the Rotorua i-SITE, which is operated through Rotorua District Council (RDC), is one of the busiest in the country.

“It was pleasing to see such a smooth operation, given the volume of custom I saw while I was there,” Mr MacPhee said.

RDC Economic and Regulatory Services Group Manager Mark Rawson said the achievement was a well-deserved tribute to the team work and dedication of the i-SITE staff.

"Our i-SITE is seen as a leader in New Zealand, and this latest Qualmark assessment reinforces that view,” Mr Rawson said.

“We are very proud of the team in our busy i-SITE, all of whom play a vital role in Rotorua’s economic development and in our all-important visitor industry."

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Notes to editors:

Tourism Rotorua i-SITE:

The i-SITE, operated through Rotorua District Council, is part of New Zealand’s Visitor Information Network (VIN), a local government funded organization that provides a comprehensive, seven day a week information and reservation service. 

Rotorua’s i-SITE team of 17 frontline travel consultants provide a one-stop shop for visitors, with free, objective information and booking services for accommodation, activities and attractions in the region and throughout New Zealand. They are also the ticketing agent and depot for national coach services and local tour and shuttle services.

Qualmark:

Qualmark is New Zealand’s official tourism quality standard. Run through a partnership between Tourism New Zealand the New Zealand Automobile Association, the mark aims to help travellers identify professional and trustworthy places to stay, things to do and ways to get around.

Organisations holding a Qualmark undergo regular, rigorous inspections to ensure they are maintaining standards appropriate to the award of the mark.

For further information, contact:

Grant Delamore
Manager – Travel Office
Tourism Rotorua Information Centre and i-SITE
+64 7 351 7333
+64 27 476 8678

grant.delamore@rdc.govt.nz