Promoters unite

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 30, 21 December 1987, Page 1

Promoters unite

The recently formed Ruapehu South Business Association has come up with a draft marketing strategy for promoting tourism in the greater Waimarino area. The group was formed in September this year after a growing number of business operators saw the need to improve the yearround promotion of the area as a tourist destination. They chose the name Ruapehu South to cover the area from Waiouru to the Manganui a Te Ao, to Pipiriki, including both Raetihi and Ohakune. The marketing strategy sees the promotion of the area as an 'outdoor region' as important and quotes the phrase ' where adventures begin' as a useful promotion tool.

The association hopes to set up a formal structure and constitution with membership fees payable. Benefits of the association would be attributable to members only. The plan calls for the development of a logo to support the region's name depicting key elements of the region. It suggests running a local competition to gather ideas for the logo. Once designed the logo would be reproduced through as many mediums as possible. A directory map showing the location of each tourist attraction and facility should be produced, says the plan. Every tourist and service business would be listed in the directory. 'Gateway' entrances to the region must be clearly indicated through the erection of signs and informa tion kiosks, a brochur„e should be produced and