Ruapehu District exposed

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 667, 17 December 1996, Page 3

Ruapehu District exposed

One of the suc cessful activi ties the council's marketing unit undertakes is the co-ordination of the ^ Visiting Media Programme in the district on behalf of the New Zealand Tourism Board, reports Ruapehu District Council marketing manager Bruce Rollinson. "This programme brings to New Zealand visiting media from around the globe to write, film and photograph what New Zealand has to offer." He said the number of

visiting media flies to the District has increased from 23 in 1995 to 58 in 1996. "Theresults are spectacular, ranging from triple page colour spreads featuring farm landscapes near Taumarunui to features on the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks. The increase in international media interest this year is mainly due to the Mount Ruapehu eruptions where a number of features on the mountain and surrounding communities have been requested," said Mr Rollinson. He said much effort is

put in by operators to make the visit by these media special and this is reflected in the results. The activi ty and

accommodation costs are provided in most cases free of charge and the only other cost involved is the coun-

cil' s co-ordination time. "Our return on investment is excellent value for money," said Mr Rollinson.