Mayoral Taskforce on tourism and short term recovery announced

The Mayoral Taskforce on tourism and short term recovery met for the first time on Wednesday, May 27.

The taskforce, which is looking at ways to kick start the economy in the short term, is comprised of some of the country’s most knowledgeable tourism thinkers with representation across both Regional Tourism Organisations, Chambers of Commerce, large and small operators and national bodies. With around 95% of tourism operators accessing the government wage subsidy as a result of COVID-19 and border restrictions likely to remain in place for some time, innovation within the sector is a necessity.

“It was great to see New Zealanders responding to the call of domestic tourism by visiting our district over the long weekend. We need to continue to promote the district in a new way and to support our tourism operators with a unified approach,” said Mayor Jim Boult.

Attracting events is one of a number of options on the table for discussion by the taskforce, including sport, weddings, conferences, arts and culture.

“While tourism is not the single answer to long term recovery, it is an industry which is well established here with a good structure and labour market in place. Re-activating tourism offers a good chance to get meals on the table and makes sure we are prepared when international tourism returns,” said Mayor Boult.

“We are lobbying for funding to attract events and generate stimulus. Domestic tourism has always played a significant role in local business with over 1 million Kiwis visiting Queenstown each year.”

A number of other initiatives outside of tourism are being implemented by the recovery team including the longer-term Regenerative Advisory Group, ideas management portal, diversifying industry and boosting community engagement.

Members of the Mayoral Taskforce on tourism and short term recovery include:

• Jim Boult, Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor and Chair
• James Helmore, Lakes Wanaka Tourism General Manager
• Ann Lockhart, Destination Queenstown CEO
• Craig Douglas, Queenstown Chamber Board Chair
• Bridget Legnavsky, Ignite Wanaka Board
• Calum Macleod, Deputy Mayor and Wanaka business owner – Cinema Paradiso
• Jolanda Cave, Ngai Tahu Tourism
• Colin Keel, Chief Executive Queenstown Airport Corporation
• Iain Cossar, General Manager Tourism - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
• Peter Harris, Economic Development Manager - Queenstown Lakes District Council
• Mark Rose, Chief Executive - The Rees Hotel
• Paul Anderson, Chief Executive - NZSki
• Grant Webster, Chief Executive Tourism Holdings Ltd
• Henry Van Asch, Managing Director – Bungy New Zealand
• Trent Yeo, Chief Executive – Ziptrek Ecotours
• Chris Roberts, Chief Executive - Tourism Industry Aotearoa 
• Roger Sharpe, Tourism New Zealand Board Member
• Kathy Dedo, Facilitator Link Upper Clutha

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

More information about QLDC recovery plans here qldc.govt.nz/your-council/major-projects/community-and-economic-recovery