Promoting tourism

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 5, 5 July 1983, Page 4

Promoting tourism

Last week the Ruapehu region was visited by John Lowrie, regional liaison officer for the Tourist and Publicity Department. Based in Wellington, Mr Lowrie was appointed as one of several liaison officers in February this year. His time since February has been largely spent at head office familiarising himself on his territory. In this, his first visit to the Ruapehu region, Mr Lowrie said he was very impressed with the amount of development of tourist and

holiday facilities. "A great deal has obviously been done to cater for the needs of winter visitors. A major task now for businessmen in the area is to work on ways to utilise existing resources all the year round" he said. Tourism was a very valuable economic resource in an area such as this said Mr Lowrie. "Money spent by visitors not only creates work and income for those providing meals and accommodation. There is a flowon effect for the whole

community when, as an example, a motelier needs a builder to extend his property and the builder and his staff in turn earn more money to buy necessities, build their own houses and buy other goods and services in the community". A primary function of the regional liaison officers is to gain knowledge from which the Tourist and Publicity Department could formulate effective marketing and promotional plans to further increase tourist inflow. Information is also gained on ways in which Tourist and Publicity Department could help operators and regions. The officers are also available to advise on tourism related projects. From information gained during this visit on the large potential growth of the Ruapehu region's tourist and holiday industry, Mr Lowrie hopes to organise a local tourism seminar. This will be organised ani operated by the Tourist Publicity Department. A major purpose of the seminar will be to show residents, businessmen and farmers alike how tourism affects them and ways in which the community and region as a whole can benefit.