Experienced tourism operators join Destination Great Lake Taupō Board
One new appointment and one re-appointment to the Destination Great Lake Taupō Board of Trustees have been announced.
In April, Trustees Laura Duncan and Dennis Christian came to the end of their three-year terms on the board that is responsible for promoting the district to domestic and international markets and increasing visitor numbers, lengths of stay, involvement in activities and positive visitor experiences.
Mr Christian sought re-appointment and local businesswoman Cushla Clark was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Ms Duncan. Mrs Clark has been heavily involved in the tourism industry both locally and nationally and has also worked in the aviation industry. She said that the Taupo district offers a unique destination, with diversity and beauty. “We need to continue to grow this destination in order to bring new enterprise and develop an even more vibrant community, all while keeping a balance in a sustainable way to protect our environment for future generations,” she said.
Mr Christian is managing director and owner of Flying Kiwi Adventures and is involved in several other tourism ventures. With a manger taking over most of his workload at Flying Kiwi Adventures he was looking forward to having extra time to devote to Destination Great Lake Taupō. “I have a real passion for the Taupō District and look forward to continuing to work towards the organisation’s goals,” he said.
Mayor David Trewavas said that Destination Great Lake Taupō did great work in promoting the district and he was excited to see the appointment of two very accomplished individuals. “It’s just great that people with this level of expertise and experience can make time to be a part of this. Council fully supports Destination Great Lake Taupō, they do fantastic work and have put our district on the map nationally and internationally, so it’s great to see them going from strength to strength,” he said.
Board chair Ray Salter said Mrs Clark had a deep understanding of the tourism/aviation experience market and had worked throughout New Zealand. “I welcome her experience in the tourism activity area as we set the future direction for Destination Great Lake Taupō. I also congratulate Dennis on his reappointment. The board appreciates the contribution on international markets that he brings to strategy setting and decision making.”