Let's get smart for our future

Penny Clark

Well, Queenstown pulled off Trenz back in May and, on all accounts, the town put its best foot forward and we impressed.

Satisfaction rates soared, I believe.

So we now wait to see the results to know how truly successful it was - this may take several years, but the future will prove if this is correct, with more visitors staying longer to experience our little bit of paradise.

While Christchurch takes time to recover, we will no doubt benefit, with our visitors staying an extra day on their New Zealand itinerary.

This will give us a better opportunity to get to know them and understand better their needs and wants.

We need to get smarter in understanding this as our traditional visitor markets decline for the short term and our emerging markets take over.

We need to be vigilant to ensure we can look after them now for our future.

Are we missing out on any opportunities?

Are they delighted with our "sparkle dust"?

Will they send their families and friends to visit?

We need to take stock - have we experienced what we offer our visitors?

Have we tried an activity lately?

Have we felt the adrenalin buzz?

Tried out the local winery, tasted our local cheese, walked to the top of the hill?

Are we in tune with what we offer and what they want?

Are we going to appreciate all the events we have on the calendar in the coming months and have we taken the time to ensure we don't miss out on our own magic?

When did you last look at the DQ website (www.queenstownnz.co.nz) to see what we show the world?

What event in the Winter Games NZ will you be watching?

Have you got your ticket for the Classic Rugby game on September 18?

Have you found your bachelorette for the Arrowtown Spring Ball?

Do you understand what Matches Made in Heaven is all about and have you considered the poker tour at SkyCity Queenstown Casino?

Have you locked yourselves in for the jazz festival?

Do you know who "Head Like a Hole" or "I am Giant" are?

This is just a small glimpse of what is happening in our part of the country in the next eight weeks.

We live in economically challenging times, but we must not lose sight of the future.

While we tighten our belts, remember the town has Shaping our Future economic and event forums to let us have our say - be part of it!Together we can keep our magic but also support economic growth for our future.

Don't miss out, Queenstown.