MEDIA RELEASE
20 August 2009
The new group responsible for directing the tourism marketing of the Lake Taupo region met for the first time on Tuesday 18 August 2009.
The transition Lake Taupo Tourism Advisory Board was appointed in late July and is tasked with investigating an improved model for governance and delivery of the region’s tourism marketing. It is also responsible for providing direction to Destination Lake Taupo, which carries out the region’s marketing activities.
The board will make a recommendation to Taupo District Council in December on an improved delivery model for destination marketing. It is also aware of a number of broader issues which can impact the tourism industry and will take these considerations into account.
Newly elected chairman, Seamus O’Sullivan, is pleased with the composition of the board. “I’m confident we have the skills and experience to deliver the right recommendation to Council on the most appropriate board structure for Destination Lake Taupo going forward,” says Mr O’Sullivan.
Mr O’Sullivan has held managerial positions with Interislander, Toll NZ and NZ Rail resulting in strong business management skills and considerable tourism industry experience.
Destination Lake Taupo’s new General Manager, Scott Pearson, attended Tuesday’s meeting and believes the future looks promising.
“There is an excellent range of skills around the board table,” says Mr Pearson. “Local members of the board bring continuity and experience but we also have new and very well respected independent members from outside the district who either hold or have held high ranking industry positions.
“The board will provide Destination Lake Taupo with valuable assistance at a strategic level. There is a lot of planning which needs to be done but, in the meantime, Destination Lake Taupo needs to keep driving business,” says Mr Pearson.
The other four members of the board are Louis de Bievre, Chris Johnston, Martin ‘Fritz’ Frohlke and Peter Blackwell (AA New Zealand). The board will meet again in September for a two-day strategic planning workshop providing time to concentrate on key objectives.