For immediate release
Friday, 27 May 2011

Here is a summary of recent media releases issued recently by Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing.

The wheels on the bus go round & round in Rotorua

GreatSights New Zealand launches new Rotorua CitySights experience in time for Rugby World Cup.

GreatSights New Zealand (part of the InterCity Group) has announced a ‘hop on hop off’ CitySights bus that will connect Rotorua’s iconic attractions with one easy bus pass. The new service will launch in the city early September, in time for the Rugby World Cup.

Affectionately known as the ‘HOHO’ (hop on, hop off), passengers can travel around the 34km circuit and hop on and off at their choice of stops. Rotorua CitySights passes are valid for 48 hours, enabling them to board and exit the bus as many times as they like during that period.  

Sam Peate, General Manager Coaching at InterCity Group (NZ) Ltd said ‘HOHO’ buses have proved successful in major tourist cities and have become the expectation with visitors. 

To see the full release, click here: HOHO Bus Information 

Rotorua to Host ASTW 

Rotorua has been selected as the first New Zealand city in seven years to host an influential gathering of more than 200 members of Australia’s premier body for travel writing. 

The city has scored a major success with the announcement The Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) will hold its 2011 Annual General Meeting and conference in the iconic Central North Island location, with support from Tourism New Zealand. 

The three-day event, beginning on 29 October 2011 will see Australian travel writers and PR professionals converge on the city for the AGM, Annual Awards Dinner and various travel ‘familiarisations’ of Rotorua through tours and visits to local attractions and activities. A variety of hotel options will be used to accommodate members during their stay. 

Rotorua Convention Bureau manager Denise Siviter says the conference is an opportunity for Rotorua to achieve considerable leverage in a key market.

To see the full release, click here: ASTW Information  

Something for Everyone in Rotorua this Queen’s Birthday Weekend

Undecided what to do for the Queen’s Birthday? A few days in Rotorua could provide all the answers. 

Rotorua is hosting a number of premier events over the long weekend to ensure there is something to please everyone, as the city comes alive to the sound of rhythm, rock, racers and revs. 

The line up covers the Rotorua Blues Festival, Rock for Christchurch fundraiser conference, the 3D Off Road Multisport Festival and the Rotorua leg of the Targa rally. 

With music, sport and rally action on offer, not forgetting the many other world-class attractions and activities that make Rotorua an internationally acclaimed visitor destination, why not make Rotorua your destination of choice this Queen’s Birthday Weekend? 

To see the full release, click here: Queen’s Birthday Weekend Events 

Other News 

Media advisor Jane Hope will be out of office for the next few weeks. For all media famil queries in her absence, please contact Samantha Luther on 07 351 7100 in the first instance.