RotoruaNZ advises local economy and tourism tracking in positive direction

RotoruaNZ has advised the Rotorua economy is tracking reasonably well with tourism coming back quite strongly. RotoruaNZ board chair Tim Cossar, speaking to elected members at a Community and District Development Committee meeting on 9th July for a quarterly update from the economic development and tourism marketing council-controlled organisation (CCO), noted the district had won back some of the tourism market share it had lost.

The Robe Trip campaign run by RotoruaNZ earlier in the year had been nominated a finalist in the marketing campaign category for this year’s New Zealand marketing awards, acknowledgement for the results and cut-through it had had.

The outlook for the upcoming international season was positive with good forward bookings and particularly good signs from the European market.

Cossar also advised the CCO was also nearly through the process of transitioning events and venues from Rotorua Lakes Council and “overall there had been some really good, solid progress in key areas.”

RotoruaNZ Chief Executive Andrew Wilson updated the Committee on successful promotions and marketing and events, including hosting TRENZ, saying he was looking forward to seeing the impacts of that for Rotorua.

Rotorua Lakes Council is in the process of transitioning the management of its events and venues to a new entity, likely a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO). This transition is part of a broader strategy to optimise the use and management of these assets, including facilities like the Energy Events Centre, Rotorua Convention Centre, and Rotorua International Stadium. The goal is to enhance event experiences, attract more visitors, and drive economic benefits for the Rotorua region.

The transition is aligned with the Rotorua Destination Management Plan and the council's long-term strategic goals.

Council is working towards a more consolidated approach to events and venues, potentially streamlining processes and improving coordination.

Image. Robe Trip campaign Credit: RotoruaNZ