This project aims to increase the total value of the visitor economy, net of all costs and leakage.
With thoughtful design, businesses can simultaneously increase yield, reduce pressure on the environment and residents, and improve the visitor experience. This project will improve capability and resilience in regenerative tourism practices by working alongside existing initiatives in business learning and development.
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Progress
To ensure a shared understanding of Travel to a Thriving Future among visitor economy stakeholders and businesses a summary document of the Destination Management Plan has been compiled. Read the summary. Additionally regional tourism organisation member updates include information about the activity related to the DMP and where relevant updates are provided through local publications.
To support tourism businesses, the RTOs have developed a comprehensive member capability programme. Training workshops and sessions with subject matter experts run weekly, designed to grow tourism business capability across a wide range of destination management topics. A new online member hub, offering resources, information, workshops, and training opportunities has also been launched.
The RTOs have supported businesses to enter local, national, and international awards that celebrate excellence in regenerative business practices, and shared opportunities and awards through their communications. They have also supported award categories in collaboration with Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Araiteuru (KUMA) and the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce Awards.
The RTOs have shared learnings and case studies of businesses and community organisations that are leading the way towards a regenerative future providing practical examples of ideas and initiatives to inspire others. This has been through the creation of ‘Our People, Our Home’ and ‘From the Ground Up’ series which is shared with local and visitor audiences. A fortnightly story has been incorporated into RTO communications which shares examples of businesses taking steps toward sustainable or regenerative practices in their operations, or community sustainability initiatives.
As part of the district’s economic diversification plan, New Pathways to a Thriving Future, a companion document to the Destination Management Plan, Project 2.2 'Exportable Tourism' is focused on the growth of exportable technology-related tourism products and services.
Who is involved
This project is being led by the Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), with support from subject matter experts and partners such as KUMA, New Zealand Māori Tourism, the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, and Ignite Wānaka. Queenstown Lakes District Council will oversee activities related to economic development. The success of this initiative will depend on the involvement of visitor economy related businesses in the Queenstown Lakes area.
How to support
If you are visitor economy related business/ in the tourism industry, check out the Destination Queenstown Member Hub for upcoming member capability development opportunities. If you have any feedback or suggestions relating to this project, please reach out via the Contact Us page.
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