Shorter stays with higher spending per visitor.
Dining in Cambridge. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism.
That’s the summary of both domestic and international trends in the Waikato for the financial year ended June 30, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism general manager Nicola Greenwell told Waipā’s Finance and Corporate committee this week.
Nicola Greenwell
The meeting was held after The News went to press but was expected to be bittersweet as Waipā is one of five councils – the others are Matamata-Piako, Ōtorohanga, Waikato and Waitomo – to reduce its funding from July 1.
Waipā reduced it by 20 per cent to $147,000 a year, Waitomo by 60 per cent to $30,000 and Ōtorohanga by 50 per cent to $35,000.
Hamilton city with $716,000 was the only council to maintain its funding.
“The team remained committed to delivering our regular mahi ensuring we continue to build a visitor sector that provides economic, social and cultural wellbeing for our communities,” Greenwell said in her report.
It was the international sector which showed the most significant contrast. Despite a 14 per cent decline in guest nights, international visitor spending rose by 14 per cent with Waikato district – from Te Kauwhata in the north to Tamahere in the south and across to Raglan – seeing a four per cent increase in international overnight stays.
International visitors to Waikato spent $123.6 million in the 11 months to May – a 22 per cent increase on the previous year with United States, Australia and United Kingdom leading the way.
Mt Pirongia. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism.
Visitors to Waipā spent $17.2 million, up 22.9 per cent on the previous year.
Domestic guest nights across the region dipped slightly but spending surpassed the national average and was the fastest growing among central North Island regions. Waikato captured 7.3 per cent of the domestic visitor spending market across New Zealand spending $784 million in the 11 months to May.
In Waipā, the spend was $178.9 million, a 7.8 per cent increase with visitors from Waikato region, Auckland and Bay of Plenty contributing the most to domestic spend.
Economic indicators told a positive story with transport services – coaches and cruises – leading the surge with a 22 per cent increase in employment earnings.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, viewing tower. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism.
Accommodation and food and beverage dipped three per cent in earnings across the region while business events fell significantly. The organisation assisted with 20 regional conference bids winning 10, losing nine and with one still pending.
Occupancy rates in Waipā dipped below the national average of 55.1 per cent settling at 49.7 per cent for the year.
The tourism organisation profiled several Waipā visitor attractions including Te Awa River Ride, Cambridge, Lake Karāpiro, Lake Te Koo Utu, Gallagher Bike Skills Park, Grassroots Trust Velodrome, Te Miro Mountain Bike Park, Matariki Events, 12 parks and walks in Waipā, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Jet Park Hamilton Airport, Christmas events, NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show, The Great Kiwi Summer Festival, Sika Show – Hunting & Outdoor Expo, NZDBA Dragon Boat Nationals, Te Awamutu Annual Craft Fair, National Fieldays, 27 Waipā events, Te Awamutu and the Tree Church.
Hidden Lake Hotel. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism.
