Editorial: Top-5 dream worthy

Rhys Arrowsmith is determined to get the Bay on the top five list.

Last week we reported on Tourism Bay of Plenty's ambitious plan to claim Northland's spot as one of the top five places to visit in New Zealand.

The top five destinations for tourists visiting New Zealand are Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland, Wellington and Northland. The sunny Western Bay sits in sixth place.

Northland tourism leaders have laughed at the plan but Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Rhys Arrowsmith is confident he can boost the region's $530million tourism industry to take their spot by 2020.

Much of his confidence appears to come from the growing cruise ship industry.

He says the Bay's vibrant shopping and beach scene and reputation as an "intrepid" place to visit are already boosting tourist numbers. The region experienced the biggest growth in tourism in the country in January.

I was sceptical at first, but when you consider that 50 per cent of cruise-ship passengers are now staying in Tauranga, rather than the majority taking off to Rotorua as they have in the past, it is not out of the question.

Of course, cruise ships visit Northland as well.

It also has many significant landmarks including the Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga and the iconic kauri tree, Tane Mahuta. Both regions have stunning coastlines but perhaps ours is more accessible.

Typically, we have more sunshine hours and we have Mauao. We are also a good launching point to other destinations such as Rotorua and Hobbiton.

Tourism Bay of Plenty plans to promote these strengths via online and social media marketing campaigns, including Mates Rates deals, increased TV and print advertising and by encouraging investment in new tourism ventures.

It's an ambitious plan but one worth pursuing.