Tourism Waitaki general manager Jason Gaskill is optimistic about the future of the district, after 12% growth in visitor bed night numbers last year.
Included on the agenda of the Waitaki District Council's finance, audit and risk committee meeting was the half-year report from council-owned company Tourism Waitaki Ltd, formerly the Waitaki Development Board.
There had been growth in the district for the past 38 to 40 months and, overall, Waitaki was approaching 400,000 bed nights in the 12-month cycle ending in December during that time.
''Which is a very positive sign,'' Mr Gaskill said.
Lake Ohau and Omarama had benefited from cyclists doing the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail.
But most of the increase came from the international market, particularly Asia, and more coaches were also arriving in Oamaru, Mr Gaskill said.
The rise was the result of a variety of efforts, including visiting offshore and domestic markets, and fostering relationships with inbound operators, tour companies and sales agents.
''It's hard to put it down to one single aspect,'' he said.
At $257,073, Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony revenue was ahead of forecast because of increased tour ticket sales, while revenue generated by the i-Site, Alps 2 Ocean and Tourism Waitaki was behind forecast.
However, the full-year forecast remained positive, Mr Gaskill said.
Conditions for retailers continued to worsen, however.
Discussions about local signage were ongoing and he apologised for the time delay, Mr Gaskill said.
''We just want to make sure we get it right.''
Tourism Waitaki wanted signage that slowed vehicles, hopefully getting people to make a stop and perhaps stay longer.
Mr Gaskill also confirmed the Waitaki Development Board had been formally renamed Tourism Waitaki Ltd.
The Waitaki District Council-owned company, once responsible for economic development and tourism in the district, is now responsible for only tourism, economic development now being the preserve of the council.
Tourism Waitaki Ltd is governed by an independent board of directors comprising Mike Neilson, Adair Craik and James Glucksman.
