TDC to continue funding for regional tourism

June 8th, 2012
[TDC press release]

Tasman District Council will retain funding for Nelson Tasman Tourism (NTT) in its Long Term Plan 2 to continue operating the region's Visitor Centres and provide destination marketing activities for the region.

On 24 May 2012 the TDC resolved to seek a strategic review of Council's ongoing involvement in and funding of tourism activities to be completed by the end of the 2012/2013 financial year.

Mayor Richard Kempthorne acknowledged that some TDC Councillors were questioning the on-going ratepayer funding of NTT, but today said that there is no intention of undermining the long-term viability of the company in the future.

"We recognise the role the company plays in economic development and the support it gives Council's other companies like the Nelson Airport and Port Nelson with attracting business and visitors to the region.

"Deciding what if any activities of Nelson Tasman Tourism are appropriate to be rate-funded and finding an equitable basis for that funding is a key issue for Tasman," he said.

Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio said, "The last year's outstanding marketing programme, including its role in the RWC2011, clearly showed the organisation is a professional, high-performing and effective agency that contributes to the economic wellbeing of the region."

He sais tourism was a key regional economic driver which would certainly suffer without the contribution NTT makes.

NTT chairman Phil Taylor said, "We're pleased with the outcome of recent meetings held with TDC and NCC and welcome the review. A similar review was undertaken in 1999 by the two councils. The study focused on continued local authority involvement in the promotion of tourism, the perceived economic contribution of tourism to the community and the involvement of the company in the region's visitor information centres.

"That review provided a platform of funding and strategic direction that has held the company in good stead until now. We're confident the new study will support on-going Council investment in destination marketing as a component of economic development."

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