Public debate on the future of the Queenstown Lakes' regional tourism authorities (RTOs) has deflected attention from bigger economic opportunities and threats, the Queenstown Airport Corporation says.
In its submission on the Queenstown Lakes District Council's draft Economic Development Strategy, QAC chief executive Scott Paterson said it was ''disappointing'' much of the public comment on the report had focused on the region's RTOs and whether they should be merged and/or operated under a different format.
Last month the council announced it would hold a second round of consultations on the strategy, with feedback suggesting submitters had focused on the proposal to review the district's tourism bodies and not the 14 other suggestions.
In a wide-ranging submission, Mr Paterson identified seven opportunities and threats for the region, including the airport corporation finalising a compulsory acquisition process to secure land from Remarkables Park Ltd, known as Lot 6, to allow it and the general aviation industry to grow.
That, along with after-dark flights and overnighting jet aircraft to enable early-morning departures and day commutes to Auckland and Wellington would be ''game-changers'' for the region.
''Conversely, failure to deliver on them will hold the region back and will restrict economic activity, in our opinion.''
Outside the airport, however, Mr Paterson said developing an accessible and affordable public transport system; constructing a convention centre ''with scale'' in Queenstown; and affordable housing issues were some of the other key matters to be addressed.
One of the priorities in the report was to enhance the quality of the local environment for businesses to thrive and residents to live and work.
Mr Paterson said that priority had not gone far enough in its analysis in restricting its focus.
''In our experience, businesses and the people they wish to attract to work for them will also carefully consider the options and quality of the region's schools and healthcare.
''Government is investing new school infrastructure and the community needs to continue its support of schools to ensure they recruit and retain the best teachers.
''A lack of appropriate healthcare and hospital facilities may inhibit growth into the future and deserves further work.''
While QAC was encouraged the report recognised the importance of tourism and a desire to attract more high-value tourists, it disagreed a ''trade-off'' was appropriate. Any suggestion the region could afford to implement policies which would single out visitor segments as ''low yielding and therefore unwelcome is wrong''.
''QAC's key focus is driving growth in total visitor numbers, without distinction of the number of nights they stay or their spend.''
Twenty-two submissions were received during the first round of consultation, including submissions from the Arrowtown Business and Promotion Association, Destination Queenstown, Lake Wanaka Tourism and the Wanaka and Districts Chamber of Commerce.
All those submissions expressed concern about the proposed review of the RTOs in the district, sharing the view destination marketing should be managed separately to the new economic development unit.
A second round of consultation is expected to open either this month or next month.
The council intends to amend and adopt the strategy by February, in time for any funding requirements or other changes to be included in the draft 10-year plan, consultation for which will be held in March.
Tracey.Roxburgh@odt.co.nz
