media & trade • newsletter

October 2009

CEO Comment

The auditors have been and gone, the annual report is ready for printing and our annual industry update outlining the year's results is planned for Friday 23 October - see more details later in the newsletter and diary the date now.

To reflect on what was a very different year for tourism in 2008/2009, we have two guest speakers ready to talk about recent change in the accommodation sector and challenges for the immediate future.  Sharon Jennings, Executive Officer at the New Zealand Hotel Council joins Fergus Brown, the Chief Executive of the NZ Holiday Parks Association and each will outline their thoughts on the New Zealand accommodation industry.  They will join me for a panel discussion on accommodation issues and forecasts, especially focusing on Nelson Tasman region.

Another diary note to make now is for our "Around the Region" industry update seminars in late October.  These half day sessions present our 2009/2010 business plan and include sessions with key staff on all our activities.  More details on these seminars later in the newsletter too.  We'll see you in Golden Bay 27 October, Motueka 28 October and Murchison 29 October. 

Australian Travel Trade Visit      

International Marketing Manager Astrid Fisher attended a roadshow hosted by Wholesaler Kirra Tours, meeting with travel agents and consumers in six Australian cities last month.

"Knowledge of the regions of New Zealand is still very low with a lot of Australian consumers, and even travel agents" Astrid reported.  "The roadshow allowed us to support Kirra Tours in their push for sales of both coach tours and independent tours to New Zealand, and for us to raise the profile of the Nelson Tasman region".  Darryl Wilson from Wilsons Abel Tasman also attended the roadshow.

Following the Kirra Roadshow, representatives from the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco and Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi/Kayak Abel Tasman joined Astrid in a series of visits to other Australian travel wholesalers.  "This was a great opportunity to raise the profile of Nelson Tasman tourism product in buyers' minds, as well as to train the reservations staff selling New Zealand holidays in time for the upcoming season" says Astrid. 

Nelson Targets French Polynesians      

French military personnel serving in Tahiti were targeted at a roadshow in Papeete in September where Nelson Tasman was represented.  French families who had just arrived in Papeete attended an induction day on the military base, where they were provided with holiday options in New Zealand.

Following the military day, members of the public were enticed to the Air New Zealand office in Papeete with an extraordinary airfare, available for just three days, while New Zealand regions and tourism operators manned holiday information booths on the sidewalk outside.

"We were talking to people who had booked their tickets without knowing what they were going to do once they got to New Zealand" says Astrid Fisher.  "As one of only two Regional Tourism Organisations in attendance, we were able to influence some very motivated travellers".

NZ is a popular destination for French Polynesians, with around 18,000 arrivals per year, 80% of which are on holiday.  This compares with about 24,000 annual arrivals from the Netherlands, and about 14,000 from Switzerland. 

To help with evaluating the value of this activity please provide any feedback about bookings received from this market by dropping an email to astridf@nelsonnz.com

Nelson Spring Offer Draws Over 2,250 entries      

As the Nelson Spring domestic marketing campaign rounds the final bend for its October home straight, the number of New Zealanders taking up the ‘enter to win’ offer tips the 2,250 mark. 

This year’s prize draw proposition has been key to driving traffic to the campaign website.  Visitors have been encouraged to engage with possible Nelson short-break itineraries. Entry requires potential domestic travellers to nominate their ultimate Nelson Spring short-break from a selection of itineraries. 

Nelson Spring is about placing Nelson Tasman in the minds of domestic travellers as the ultimate short-break destination - an accessible, achievable and indulgent escape. The 2009 campaign targets Wellingtonians with a springtime call to action.  www.NelsonSpring.co.nz 

Arts, Education and Tourism      

Next Wednesday 7 October, winners of the Nelson secondary schools "Arts and Tourism" competition will be announced at a function at Nelson Provincial Museum.  Organised by E4E (Education for Enterprise), the competition prizes are sponsored by Nelson Tasman Tourism.  Students entering were asked to submit work interpreting the NZ Tourism Strategy 2015 underlying values of Kaitiakitanga or Manaakitanga, and how those values relate to tourism here in Nelson Tasman Region.

Finalists will be displayed at an exhibition titled "Destination Art' at the Museum between 7-21 October.  Come along to the exhibition and see how tourism is viewed through the eyes of our region's secondary art students.

Beer and Bikes Benefit From Funding      

The Pro Rider NZ National Motorcycle Show, which received sponsorship funding from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, was held on Sunday 13 September at Founders Heritage Park. It was a great success, with over 3,500 motorcycle enthusiasts attending the second year of the show. Visitors from Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Auckland and as far away as Australia came to Nelson specifically for the show.

Features included the Britten Motorcycle exhibition as well as presentations from the Britten team and displays from the Goldpine Stunt Trials Riders. The sell-out Britten Movie Night and the Celebration Dinner were also highlights.

The show was hosted by the Rotary Club of Whakatu and the event coordinated by Fred and Mildred Ltd. Planning has already commenced for next year’s show.

MarchFest, the Hip Hop Harvest Festival, to be held in April 2010, has also recently received sponsorship funding from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, for the second year running. Funding has been provided to prepare Business & Marketing Plans and a Sponsorship Plan for the 2010 event as well as a contribution towards marketing the event outside the region.

The Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme is funded by the Nelson City Council. The Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency is the lead agent and Nelson Tasman Tourism implements the programme.

Other event organisers interested in learning more about the programme and the opportunities it provides, including sponsorship funding, should contact the Events Marketing & Development Coordinator at Nelson Tasman Tourism victoria@nelsonnz.com

New Events Marketing & Development Coordinator      

Victoria Bruce-Miller joins Nelson Tasman Tourism as Events Marketing & Development Coordinator, taking over from Kate Wells, who is leaving to go the UK. 

Victoria has a wealth of knowledge on events, and the hospitality and tourism industry.  Having grown up in a hotel, she travelled around the world, working in hotels both in the UK and around the world.  She gained a degree in Hospitality Management from Bournemouth University and then moved to London where she spent the next five years in Event Hospitality Management.  Victoria then came to New Zealand where together with her husband Simon, they managed The Lodge at Paratiho Farms.  Victoria was responsible for the sales and marketing of Paratiho, successfully growing the business and brand, gaining Paratiho respect and recognition throughout the world. 

Victoria is delighted to be working with Nelson Tasman Tourism on the Events Marketing & Development Programme.

Nelson Tasman Tourism's Annual Update      

Nelson Tasman Tourism's Annual Update will be held at Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco on Friday 23 October commencing at 3pm.

Fergus Brown, CEO Holiday Parks Assn of New Zealand, and Sharon Jennings, Executive Officer at the New Zealand Hotel Council, will be our guest speakers.  They will each outline their thoughts on the New Zealand accommodation industry and join Paul Davis for a panel discussion on accommodation issues and forecasts, especially focusing on Nelson Tasman region.

Nelson Tasman Tourism staff will also update you on our strategic direction, marketing programmes and visitor information centres.  Representatives from our two shareholders, Nelson City Council & Tasman District Council, will also be in attendance, along with other interested parties and tourism industry partners.

Don't miss these important industry update presentations. 

Date: Friday 23 October 2009

Time: 3pm - 5.30pm

Venue: Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, 6 Point Road, Monaco, Nelson

Timetable for the afternoon is as follows;
3pm-3.15pm                        NTT Chair

3.15pm-3.45pm                  NTT Annual Update

3.45pm-4.15pm                  Guest speakers

4.15pm-4:30pm                  Accommodation Panel (panel session with Q&A on  accommodation trends) comprising of Paul Davis, Fergus Brown & Sharon Jennings) 

4.30pm  onwards                Drinks and nibbles

Copies of our annual report will be available at the meeting. 

Please RSVP to Tracy info@nelsonnz.com or ring 03 546 6228 by 16 October to confirm your attendance.

"Around The Region" Industry Update Seminars, October 2009      

Our "Around the Region" industry update seminars will be held in late October. 

These half day sessions present our 2009/2010 business plan and include sessions with key staff on all our activities. You'll have the chance to learn all about the latest tourism marketplace trends,  NTT's marketing programmes, i-SITE activity and also have the opportunity for one on one appointments with individual NTT staff.

Seminars are to be held in Golden Bay 2-5pm 27 October, Motueka 10am - 1pm 28 October and Murchison 2-5pm 29 October.  Venues and further details to be advised.

Advertise on www.nelsonnz.com!      

We are currently revamping and updating our website www.NelsonNZ.com due for completion April 2010.  Current advertisers' listings will be extended until 31 October 2009 at no extra charge to give existing operators sufficient time to purchase listing(s) for the six month period, 1 November 2009 to 30 April 2010.  Operators will be notified early next year on the advertising options available on the new website from May 2010.

Costs: (rates shown in brackets are online rates ie if purchased on line at www.NelsonNZ.com using your Visa or Mastercard you receive a 10% DIY discount)

• Regular web listing                         $160.00 plus GST ($145 plus GST)
• Discounted web listing**                $85.00 plus GST ($76.50 plus GST)
• Golden Bay Holiday Home Listing  $65.00 plus GST ($58.50 plus GST)
** Discounted web listing applies for second and subsequent listings and/or if you have already purchased Triple Deal brochure advertising for the 09/10 period.

• Paperclip* Home Page (per month, limited availability)    $500 plus GST
• Paperclip* Theme Page (per month, limited availability)   $250 plus GST
* For more information on these products email info@nelsonnz.com

To purchase simply log on at www.nelsonnz.com/advertise.with.us and go to the Purchase page.  Please remember if you are a current advertiser, once you have purchased for this new period, you also need to go to the Upload Material page and tick the ‘Web 2009/2010’ check box to ensure your on line listing(s) is extended into this new period.  You can also view your existing listing on this page, and edit if necessary.  New advertisers, please follow the instructions on the Upload Material page to upload material for your new listing.

Remember you can also update your listing(s) and images online at anytime.

Why advertise on the website?
• #1 on Google (search Nelson New Zealand)
• Expose your product to an average of over 10,000 unique visitors per month
• The only Nelson Tasman tourism website to feature on Tourism New Zealand's website www.NewZealand.com
• Opportunity to purchase high impact advertising on home and theme pages

New Zealand Voted Best at Destination Branding      

New Zealand has come out on top in a survey asking tourism organisations from around the world to rank the best destination brands.

Survey respondents cited the consistency and credibility of 100% Pure New Zealand. They said the strong imagery of the campaign, the instantly recognisable brand and the strong positioning statement (100% Pure) set New Zealand ahead of other destinations.
 
Respondents praised New Zealand for addressing the country’s isolated location “at the edge of the world” and turning that into a positive.

They also considered the brand as successful in “going beyond tourism” to pull-together a number of different sectors under a unified country proposition.

George Hickton said the result recognised the efforts of the tourism industry over the past 10 years in supporting the campaign and delivering on the promises made through ‘100% Pure New Zealand’.

“A successful brand like 100% Pure is more than just a logo and advertising. The efforts of the tourism industry to deliver quality, innovative products and to reflect the values of the brand in their own work has been critical to its success.”

The survey, published by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and European Travel Commission (ETC) asked 165 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) what countries they considered to be good at destination branding.  

New Chief Executive for Tourism New Zealand      

Tourism New Zealand Board recently announced the appointment of their new Chief Executive.

Tourism New Zealand Chairman Greg Muir has recently announced the appointment of Kevin Bowler as its new CEO.  Kevin has extensive marketing and business leadership experience spanning fast moving consumer goods, technology and media brands in New Zealand and overseas.

Kevin is currently CEO for start-up Yahoo!Xtra, a JV between Yahoo!7 and Telecom.  During this period Kevin has taken a leadership role in the digital communications industry chairing the NZ Interactive Advertising Bureau since 2008.

Its On Events Update      

• Annie, 1- 10 October, Nelson School of Music
• Alone it Stands, 1- 10 October, The Suter Theatre
• Saffronn Te Ratana Exhibition, until 18 October, The Suter Gallery
• John Bevan Ford Exhibition: He Aho Tangata: The Human Threads, until 18 October, The Suter Gallery
• Musselman Picton to Nelson Multisport Adventure & Cycle Odyssey, 4 October
• National U13 Girls Hockey Tournament - Collier Trophy, 4-10 October, Saxton Hockey Complex
• FloraFest and Designer of the Year, 10 October, Tasman region
• Isel in Bloom, 11 October, Isel Park
• Subway Dun Run, 17 October, Dun Mountain
• Nelson Vintage Car Club Biennial Rally, 24-26 October, Founders Heritage Park and Nelson Tasman region
• Nelson Arts Festival, 15-26 October, Founders Heritage Park
• RaboPlus New Zealand National Club Road Cycling Championships 2009, 21-24 October, Moutere
• St Lawrence String Quartet, 23 October, Nelson School of Music
• allshorts Short Film Festival, 24 October, Village Theatre, Takaka
• Mataki Willowgrove Walkway Opening, 25 October, Murchison
• Stirling Sports Waimea Half Marathon, 31 October, Rabbit Island
  

Check out the Nelson Tasman events website, www.itson.co.nz, for more info on events, because if it’s on, it’s on Its On!

What's New - Operator Update      

•  At the recent Top 10 Holiday Park conference held in Paihia, Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park was awarded 3rd in the Service award, Most Improved Club Card Seller and winner of Top All Round Performing Park, and Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park was awarded Most Improved Qualmark Score, 2nd Top All Round Performing Park and 2nd Most Improved Club Card Seller.  Congratulations to both!

Snippets      

• A0 Double Sided Window Posters in Nelson i-SITE are now available at the heavily reduced rate of $900 + GST.  This is for the display period 1 Oct 2009 - 30 June 2010.  Please email michael@nelsonnz.com if interested.

• A Counter Poster spot in Nelson i-SITE is always in hot demand.  Usually we have a waiting list, but this year for the first time one spot has become available.  Please email michael@nelsonnz.com if interested.

• We welcome back Cathy Smith after two years away.  She is now doing the majority of retail for the Nelson Tasman Tourism Visitor Centres and will also be back on the frontline from November.  Cathy's experience from her previous three years working for us is invaluable and we are thrilled to have her back on deck.

• First Aid for Workplaces, A Good Practice Guide, can help you manage first aid needs in your workplace. It can be downloaded from http://www.osh.govt.nz/publications/booklets/first-aid-2009/

• A Training seminar on Promoting your Event will be held for event organisers in early November. For more information, contact events@nelsonnz.com or (03) 545 6856.