Central Otago Tourism Operators Urged To Be Unique

Unique attractions and activities telling the Central Otago story will help develop stronger and more diverse visitor markets according to tourism operators representing NZ’s largest export sector.

Visiting Cromwell to speak to the local industry Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Chief Executive Judy Chen says Central Otago is uniquely positioned near an international airport and other popular destinations and clever thinking could help lure more visitors.

Inbound tour operators are the companies who bring visitors to New Zealand and TECNZ Judy Chen says her members are constantly seeking new attractions and experiences to develop their itineraries.  But she said focusing on unique experiences would be key to Central Otago’s success.

“Most international visitors spend about two weeks in NZ and can only choose up to a handful of regions at the most to visit in that time.   Visitors need to have a reason to visit your region to experience something that they cannot do anywhere else.

That’s not as difficult as you might think.  Visitors will want to be in your picturesque environment, seeing and hearing the stories of your region: and there is no shortage of great history here.’

Ms Chen says attractions such as the $6.6 million Lake Dunstan Trail would be a great boost for domestic and international tourism in the region.

“Many of our members would be interested in expanding their itineraries to include more products in regions that offer something different for our visitors.

TECNZ is very interested in working with the local Regional Tourism Organisation and Central Otago operators and on ways to further develop their unique products for the international market.

‘We want to work together with you, support your strategy and to play our part in ensuring your region has a carefully managed, sustainable tourism industry for the future.”

ENDS

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971.  Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

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