Despite Statistics NZ figures which show a nationwide drop in New Zealanders taking domestic holidays, Mr Helmore said a busy events schedule during a long weekend was bound to attract visitors from outside the region.
"Domestic visitors remain our cornerstone market. Just because times are tough, it shouldn't mean we stop doing more to keep attracting them," he said.
The schedule of Labour Weekend events in Wanaka and its surrounds exhibited the region's different characteristics, he said.
Moving Wanakafest to Labour Weekend had created initiatives such as a food and wine festival which would present the region's suppliers and producers.
"Events like that give people reasons to come to Wanaka and provide them with new experiences,"It will be interesting to see how Wanakafest evolves. I hope it stays on during Labour Weekend," Mr Helmore said.
The annual exhibition of the Wanaka Arts Society was another "local" event which revealed a unique aspect of the town to visitors, he said.
"It shows visitors who our people are and their diverse array of talents. It's not just about things to do and places to see."
The Bullock Bar, in Wanaka, will also host the Perfect Woman competition, the 10th year women have competed in an event that calls on them to display their skills in a range of unusual activities such as skinning rabbits, driving jetboats, changing tyres, and paintball shooting from helicopters.
Meanwhile, Tarras will welcome back those with links to the district.
The Tarras District School will hold its 125th jubilee on Saturday, alongside the centennial of the Morven Hills Station subdivision - the dual events effectively combining for a district-wide reunion of former residents.
Outdoors enthusiasts with links to the Mt Aspiring National Park and the Matukituki Valley are being encouraged to take time to visit Tititea Lodge, the former Mt Aspiring Station homestead, this weekend.
The Mt Aspiring Outdoor Education Trust is holding a 40th anniversary celebration from Saturday until Monday.
Trust secretary Russell Lambeth said the lodge would be open for anyone who wished to visit and a commemorative booklet would be on sale, as well as refreshments.
Visitors have been asked to bring their own contributions to a "finger food" pot luck dinner on the Saturday evening. Accommodation at the lodge is restricted to 40 beds on a "first in, first served basis".
BUSY WEEKEND
• Wanakafest: October 21 - 24, Carnival-themed local festival, which includes food and wine festival at Pembroke Park on Saturday.
• Wanaka Arts Society exhibition: Thursday evening opening; then open 10am Friday-Sunday, Lake Wanaka Centre.
• Tarras School 125th jubilee, district reunion, and Morven Hills Station centennial: October 22-24, Tarras Hall
• Mt Aspiring Outdoor Education Trust 40th anniversary: October 23-25, Tititea Lodge, old Mt Aspiring Station Homestead, Matukituki Valley.
• Perfect Woman competition: October 22-23, Bullock Bar.
