Cambridge’s i-Site will remain open after securing support from two tourism operators.
Destination Cambridge general manager Ruth Crampton said when Waipā District Council announced it was pulling its funding for the i-Site, from July 1, she was determined to keep the doors open.
Tourism opportunities were back on the agenda at the Waipā Home & Leisure Show where local operators combined to present their offerings and celebrate Destination Cambridge’s announcement the i-Site in the Town Hall would remain open after July 1. From left, Tali Jellyman of Sanctuary Mountain, Destination Cambridge general manager Ruth Crampton and Sculpture Park’s Sue Devonshire. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
“The future was looking a little bleak,” she said following the council decision last year to can its annual $157,000 grant.
Riverside Adventures Waikato will take over the information centre in six weeks, supported by Destination Cambridge.
Rural Tours, who had previously signed a working agreement with the i-Site have renewed their relationship and secured two of the current i-Site staff post July 1.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Simon Brew and the Cambridge Town Hall Trust board who understood the delicate situation the Cambridge i-Site found itself in,” said Crampton.
“With their support, an affordable rental has been agreed, which will be shared by Rural Tours, Riverside Adventures and Destination Cambridge. This also enables the Town Hall to recoup some cost as they look to secure funding to continue to upgrade and develop the majestic building which is at the very heart of Cambridge.”
Crampton will stay on in a reduced capacity overseeing the digital aspects of the Destination Cambridge business and focusing on a more active promotion of the tourism industry.
The cambridge.co.nz website – which has more than 140,000 visits a year – is a key promotional tool for the town and will continue under her stewardship.
Riverside will offer transportation bookings, accommodation and activity advice and bookings, visitor information, DOC hut tickets, NZ and local gifts, as well as their bike hire and kayak business from the Town Hall while retaining a presence at the Velodrome and Horahora.
Destination Cambridge has also made a submission to Waipā’s enhanced annual plan arguing councillors made the decision with flawed information and without realising the value of tourism to Cambridge.
Plan hearings will be held next week.
