Highlights in this issue:
DMCM UPDATES
GENERAL MANAGER COMMENTS
International arrivals into New Zealand declined by 0.03 per cent in the 12 months to September 2008. There are a number of factors that have affected both international and domestic travel. Whilst the global financial crisis is clearly a major factor there are a number of other factors that have had an impact and New Zealand is not alone with many other countries experiencing a down turn. Where New Zealand has experienced downturns in both international domestic tourism growth in the past the market has rebounded very quickly within a year or so. While visitor arrivals from a number of countries have declined arrivals from our closest neighbor Australia have not and continue to grow slowly between 3 to 5 percent per month. While the forecasts are suggesting that tourism will continue to grow with international growing at a faster rate than domestic, any prudent operator will be looking to tighten down the hatches and ride out the downturn which is already hitting home.
The Mackenzie District has experienced continued growth in guest nights over the last 12 months with an average of 5000 more bed nights per month than the corresponding month in 2007. This growth is expected to continue but perhaps at a slower rate in the next 12 months. Much of this growth can be attributed to specific areas and some of these include a very strong domestic campaign and pricing restructuring by The Hermitage, the opening of Peppers Lake Tekapo, the opening and continued development of the Alpine Spa and Winter Park and a very successful Ski season. This along with increasing media awareness, increased international and domestic awareness of the regions operators, strong support from Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism and the Christchurch International Airport, will continue to keep this region at the forefront of visitor destination.For further information please see http://www.trcnz.govt.nz/Documents/TLIM/TLIMOctober2008.pdf
MARKETING
Official Visitor Guide - Selling of the guide has finished and the pre-publication is underway . Whilst forward bookings for operators are generally good many are taking a very cautious approach and this will have a bearing on the number of advertisers in the guide. Many have reported better booking results off their websites over the past 12 months and are not supporting hard copy advertising. On the positive side we have a number of new advertisers and 3 who have lifted their advert size from either one quarter page to a half or half to a full page. It is anticipated that we will go to print before the end of the month.
Statistics - Unique visitors to our website www.mtcooknz.com continue to steadily increase. While visits have dropped slightly over the last month, we are expecting these to increase as we head into the summer season.
Media - We have had excellent coverage of late with articles appearing in the New Zealand Herald, (3) Wilderness magazine, Christchurch Press and Timaru Herald along with the High Country Herald. Press releases prepared for Alpure Ski and the Twizel Hard Labour Weekend and released through Southern PR received favorable press throughout the country. We also had several film crews shooting segments for ski media. We expect between 8 -10 TNZ and media famils over the next two months.
LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
TWIZEL HARD LABOUR WEEKEND SUCCESS
Pyramid Run - Any day in the high country is a good one; it is just that some are better than others. This had to be one of the great days - warm, overcast and calm. The venue for this event highlights some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery in the region.
Just on 300 runners and walkers entered this year’s race, up considerably on last year, many of these returning from previous years. The organisers have met with some success in encouraging younger runners to take part, especially among the females.
The walking contingent took off first at a great rate and the ‘Tail End Charlie’ in the form of local police constable Carl Pederson was heard to comment: “I saw a dead hare on the road back there - surely one of those walkers didn't account for it.” (There was no sign of the tortoise though.)
Oldest known competitor was Trudi Stewart at 72, who crossed the line with a huge smile on her face to the cheers of family and friends.
There was some great racing among the younger groups with some family rivalry coming to the fore. Events such as these are more often run for the fun of taking part and that was the overwhelming theme of the after match function. There were prizes for all the winners and many other spot prizes handed out, including two major spot prizes. A number of the winners took the microphone and were lavish in their praise for the event and organisers.
The funds raised from the event go back into the youth of the Twizel area and it was great to see those groups out helping during the event.
Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Ride - This was held in near perfect conditions also. How lucky can you be after Saturday night’s weather blast!
Here, also, the numbers were up, with 274 taking part.
Hard luck prize went to the lady who took a tumble a few hundred metres from the start resulting in a broken collarbone. Words such as “awesome venue and organization” abounded after the race (though obviously not from the lady just mentioned).
A very satisfying day for all involved.
Thanks go to Leana Collins and Donna Falconer for the great pics!
HERMITAGE HOTEL TAKES GOLD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WORK
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The Hermitage is one of the first to achieve Qualmark's prestigious new Enviro-Gold rating, and General Manager Denis Callesen says it's a natural fit with the hotel's commitment to environmental and social responsibility. "We're delighted to have this recognition of practices we have engaged in for many years. Our remote location and the pristine nature of where we live and work have meant we have always needed to engage in sustainable environmental practices. Living in one of the most beautiful corners of the world makes you more aware of the impact people have on the environment." |
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The hotel and village community employ many sustainable practices including but not limited to:
- recycling all material possible; left property and old uniforms to Salvation Army, old hotel carpets to local sports clubs, old towels to kitchen rags,
- plastic, glass, cans, cardboard and newspaper are collected and compacted
- sustainable design features include the use of stone, timber and glass throughout the village and designated colour palettes
- 20 year native gene stock planting programme
- local sourcing of food supplies
- energy efficient hotel appliances
- paperless office system wherever possible, recycling paper to make notepads
DOC SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
The DOC Summer Programme will be up and running again in the new year.
With three weeks of activities from Monday 5th January to Friday, 23 January 2009, the programme runs in the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Activities will include walks and tramps, mountain biking, outdoor skills for children, talks and much more.
For more information contact the DOC office in Twizel (03 435 0802, upaul@doc.govt.nz) or the Visitor Centre in Mount Cook Village (03 435 1186, rbellinger@doc.govt.nz)
GLACIER EXPLORERS BACK ON DECK FOR SUMMER SEASON
It’s the season for close encounters with icebergs and glaciers in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park as Glacier Explorers resumes operations from today (28 October).
The company starts the summer season with two brand new 15-seater boats, bringing the overall passenger capacity of the spectacular Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake explorations to 48 people per trip.
Operations Manager Bede Ward says the new boats are state-of-the-art Mac Boats.
“They are fully molded, one-piece double skinned pontoon boats made from quality virgin polythene. They’re impervious to osmosis and corrosion, designed to survive New Zealand's extreme UV level and have a low environmental impact because the polythene is fully recyclable and colour fast.”
Glacier Explorers’ latest investment builds on last year’s purchase of a fourth craft and the addition of a new time slot to its daily schedule.
“We’re seeing a solid growth in the trip’s popularity. Last summer was our most successful season to date and our advance bookings for this season are tracking well. Being able to see New Zealand’s largest glacier up close and personal is quite a draw card for visitors.”
He says visitors find the Glacier Explorers trip an unforgettable experience. “It’s like being in another world – you’re surrounded by moraine and mountains and cruising on a lake dotted with huge icebergs which are constantly moving, rolling over and collapsing into the water.
Travelers on Glacier Explorers trips can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Aoraki Mount Cook, and some of the best photographic opportunities available in the national park.
For more information visit www.glacierexplorers.com.
SNIPPETS FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre - Just a reminder that the Lake Pukaki Visitor Information Centre is on summer hours. They are open seven days a week, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Ph 03 435 3280, Fax 03 435 3283 and email lake.pukaki@xtra.co.nz
Mackenzie District Council – Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie is required to hold an Annual General Meeting in accordance with our requirements and relationship with the Mackenzie District Council and this has been held, on Tuesday 30th September. It was attended by all the district councilors, with budgets for both the Pukaki Visitor Centre and the marketing division presented along with the Chairman’s report and the Statement of Intent. General comment from council was very positive.
Star Light Reserve - The GM has met with the Hon Margret Austin to discuss how to progress the project and also to develop some points of direction for her Labor Weekend presentation to the community. The GM also presented a draft proposal on a reserve and the pathway that is needed to achieve such a designation to the Tekapo Community Board. There has also been some greater awareness from Tourism New Zealand on the value of promotion of the night sky as a key tourism draw card.
Twizel Events Centre - The General Manager met with the Twizel Community Board and presented a paper in relation to the future possible management of the Information Centre and the Twizel Events Centre. Whilst it is not the prime role of our organization to manage the event centre it is our role to take a lead role in the direction of the region's visitor information delivery . We are committed to working with the community and continue support for an information centre in Twizel.
General
The manager spent a day at Mt Dobson Ski Area with Peter Foote, learning first hand what was involved in running a ski field.
The Board Chair, two board members and the GM attended the AGM of the Tekapo Promotions and both Lesley and Phil gave a short presentation to the large gathering.
The GM is continuing to liaise with Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism on the procedures for TNZ famils in the region both media and trade to ensure that the regions receives adequate exposure.
TRADE NEWS
TOURISM NEW ZEALAND WEBSITE
Tourism New Zealand is launching a new trade website on 31 October 2008. Operators who wish to list on the website should visit http://register.nztb.co.nz/. If you already have a consumer website listing on www.newzealand.com simply log on to the new site and extend the listing to create a listing on the trade site. Trade site listings should contain information of use to travel sellers and product managers; information such as commissionable rates, language capabilities etc. For any questions please contact Monica Armesto, Product Development Manager, at monicaa@tnz.govt.nz
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
The Ministry of Tourism has relaunched its main website www.tourism.govt.nz with a new look and a more user-friendly layout. Details of the Ministry's work programme, current issues in New Zealand tourism, and a wealth of material to assist businesses are available on the site. The Ministry's tourism research website remains at www.tourismresearch.govt.nz
TOURISM INDUSTRY ELECTION MANIFESTO
The Tourism Industry Election campaign aims to get more recognition for tourism with central government and gain more support for the industry. The manifesto outlines the top priorities for New Zealand tourism for the next election term and the actions the industry seeks from the incoming Government, namely;
- Recognize tourism as a bedrock of New Zealand's economy
- Market Destination New Zealand
- Invest in vital infrastructure
- Improve New Zealand's environmental performance
- Invest in training and work skills initiatives
- Boost the return from major events
BIG CHANGES TO TOURISM EVENTS
The Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Board recently released outcomes for the Event Review that the trust and Tourism Industry Association (TIA) have been undertaking. They have agreed a set of outcomes that will benefit TIA members and help the tourism industry better meet the challenges ahead. While TRENZ 2009 will proceed as planned at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds on 8-11 June 2009, other events will undergo a period of further review in 2009 with the aim of bringing them back as stronger, leading industry events in 2010.
APPLY NOW TO BE PART OF TRENZ 2009
It's time for tourism operators to place their business at the forefront of New Zealand tourism by exhibiting at TRENZ 2009. Exciting innovations make TRENZ 2009 a valuable business event that is not to be missed! Exhibitor applications are now open at www.trenz.co.nz until 18 November. TRENZ 2009, the gateway to New Zealand tourism for our international markets, will be held at the newly refurbished and extended ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, 8-11 June 2009.
TRENZ 2009 will be refreshed and refined. It will feature a range of exciting innovations to showcase New Zealand Tourism in a new way. the focus will be on attracting quality Buyers, achieving good Exhibitor-Buyer ratios, and continuing to strongly promote new product to Buyers and Media. Visit www.trenz.co.nz for more information on changes planned for 2009.
QUALMARK UPDATE
In addition to Qualmark accreditation being promoted individually by licence holders and collectively, Qualmark has stepped up its marketing efforts within NZ and Offshore, updating international trade material, online information and presentations, to ensure that the Qualmark message is getting through to important trade channels overseas.
International trade and consumer activity - Tourism NZ is responsible for raising the profile of Qualmark to international trade and consumers and is working with partners to develop a strong international presence. Activity over the past few months has included providing updates to trade at Kiwilink Japan, a product workshop in London and a "Train the trainer" day for trade in Los Angeles. Kiwilink Asia held in Shanghai 12-15 October also had a Qualmark booth and a TNZ representative met with over 80 buyers from China (Shanghai, Beijing and South China), Taiwan, India, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
Monitoring Worrying You? Monitoring is not a minimum requirement in the 'responsible tourism Operations criteria. (However, they do say if you can't measure it, you can't manage it!) For those businesses that want to achieve a 4 or 5, some monitoring is required, and to this end Qualmark has developed a monitoring tool (and are currently working on a more simplified model). You simply need to choose what aspect(s) make sense for you to measure. You may already have your own documentation in place - this can count towards the monitoring scoring item as well.
- Identify one or more key areas on which to focus, and monitoring your progress and improvement will contribute to your scoring
- Monitoring needs to have been in place 6-12 months for it to count towards scoring
- Aim to show improvements in efficiency over time
Monitoring not only means recording resource use regularly, but also allows you to see the data presented in graph form, so you can identify overall trends.
Responsible tourism actions happening out there... Qualmark's 10 assessors are seeing a range of good practices happening that make good business sense. They have also seen great examples of how these are communicated to guests and customers. Some of these include
- Fitting motion sensors on internal lights in public areas like corridors and toilets
- Driver training for safety and fuel efficiency
- Low flow heads in showers
- Buying paper products made from recycled paper or certified sustainable sources
- Buying in bulk to cut down on packaging and reduce disposables
- Organizing or participating in local litter picks or beach cleans
- Planting native species/creating a wildlife garden
Recycling symbols and labels - Recycling symbols can be downloaded for free, which can be used on customer information. Stickers to clearly label your recycling bins can also be ordered. The clearer the recycling opportunities you offer are promoted, the more likely customers are to participate and use the appropriate bins.
SPONSOR THANKS
745,000 hectares is a lot of land to cover and thanks to Timaru Motors www.timarumotors.co.nz Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie management is able to get around the region, whatever the weather. DMCM is very grateful to Timaru Motors for their ongoing support with the blue Mazda BT50. The BT50 is a vehicle well suited to the Mackenzie with its 4wheel drive turbo diesel engine and twin cab.
As always, we appreciate your feedback, and welcome any news/events/innovations or other information that we can use in our newsletter, website or communicate to other operators for you.
Regards,
the Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie Team
