A strategy setting out a 10-year tourism development plan which could inject $12 million into the Waitaki economy has been put in place by the Waitaki District Council.
The strategy, with the catchphrase "Living a Legacy", is to ensure tourism is planned and managed appropriately and professionally over the next 10 years.
Prepared by Tourism Waitaki general manager Annabel Gudsell, its main focus is on quality, and to increase visitor numbers by an estimated 16% and inject an extra $12 million into the local economy by 2016.
The aim is to develop quality tourism products and services to enhance visitors' experience.
The strategy has identified themes based on cuisine and wine, recreation and cycle trails, nature, culture and heritage, events and Waitaha-Maori tourism.
"For Waitaki district tourism products and services to be competitive, there needs to be a focus on high quality in all aspects of delivery. To provide a world-class visitor experience, operators need to offer outstanding customer service," the strategy said.
Products and services should provide an authentic Waitaki flavour that reaches or exceeds customer satisfaction and expectations.
Visitors needed to perceive they had had value for money and leave wanting to encourage others to visit.
"This is how the district will ensure a legacy for tourism in years to come," the strategy said.
Some of the directions include-
• Promoting the unique qualities of fresh and premium Waitaki produce;
• Leveraging off award winners such as Riverstone, Fleur's Place and Whitestone Cheese;
• Supporting the development of the Waitaki Valley wine industry and promoting the uniqueness of its wines;
• Working to ensure the Alps 2 Ocean cycleway from Mt Cook to Oamaru is constructed, marketed and starts in 2012;
• Promoting other recreational activities off the back to the cycleway;
• Supporting a future cycle trail between Oamaru and Palmerston;
• Continuing to own and promote the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, ensuring it stays ahead of competition;
• Promoting the district's natural wonder and beauty;Promoting the "Big 4" landscapes - Clay Cliffs, Elephant Rocks, Earthquake Rocks and Moeraki Boulders;
• Developing new events;
• Producing a conference package with the Oamaru Opera House;Supporting sports events coming to the district;
• Assisting event organisers to develop brands which highlight the region's differences.
