Cash needed for tourism officer

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 276, 28 February 1989, Page 1

Cash needed for tourism officer

Ohakune and Raetihi need a full time public relations officer to help the area tap into its untouched tourist potential.

That message was given to the Waimarino District Council last week from the Ruapehu South Business Association, plus a request for $20,000 towards the wages of an officer. The full-time officer would co-ordinate the marketing of the area, send out promotional material, organise and advertise a marketing plan, attend promotional shows, co-ordi-nate promotional activities and gain access

to the advertising budgets of large national companies. Association representative Phil Abel told the council there needed to be a coordinated approach to tourism promotion which would be met by "the employment of a full time promotions officer whose total concentration is focussed on bringing people to the region by co-ordinating speTurn page 7

Cash needed for tourism officer

Trompage 1 cial efforts and promotions." "They could be sports efforts like celebrity golf tournaments, mountain bike races, triathlons, street motor cycle racing, marathons. Or National tournaments for any type of sport taking advantage of our central location." He added cultural events such as film or musical festivals and conventions to the list. Costs shared The association estimates the money needed to be $45,000, made up of $25,000 for wages, $10,000 for administration, and $10,000 for costs related to promotional activities. Added to the council's contribution of $20,000 to cover these expenses, if agreed to, would be $5,000 from the Taumarunui Promotions Association and $20,000 from RSBA income which would be derived from Association levies, advertising and promotional dis-

plays and productions, commissions on bookings and gate takings from promotions and activities. In asking for the money the Association representative asked councillors to consider the contribution as "an investment in the future of the community". Mr Abel said all sectors of the community stand to benefit in a variety of ways. He said promotion of tourism would lead to "a more prosperous community adding up to a more stimulating and enjoyable place to

live now and in the future." Potential "With the marketing efforts of individual operations, tourist related pastimes have put Ohakune in the minds of a lot more people, but there's still plenty of people out there who still don't know where we are or why they might enjoy coming here," said Mr Abel "The potential has only been scratched, especially summer trade." Mr Abel said Tourism was a competitive industry and the area needs to sell itself.

He said 1990 would especially bring tourism opportunities with the Commonwealth Games and a number of centennials and celebrations. He said as it is now, businesses were closing or on the market, there was an over supply of houses and there was an exodus of young people from the area, leaving to look for jobs. He said construction wOrk had almost ceased.