FAWC: Winter food event paying off

HB Tourism general manager Annie Dundas is happy with the growth of F.A.W.C!

Winter F.A.W.C! is proving a nice little money earner for the region during quiet, cooler months.

The event, which featured 50 individual offerings for four weekends in June, made a total of $235,000, according to figures compiled by Hawke's Bay Tourism.

Ticket sales were "well up", reaching 3458 " almost double the previous year and 87 per cent of the total available not including F.A.W.C! by 5 offerings - showing more people were savouring unique wine and food experiences.

A new survey revealed an impressive 81 per cent of visitors stayed for two nights or more - 29 per cent in hotels, 19 per cent in self-contained units and 19 per cent in motels.

"That's 67 per cent of people who stayed paying for accommodation," HB Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said, "and 97 per cent of attendees ranked events excellent or good, which is also great news."

There were fairly even numbers of people buying tickets across all age ranges and 27 per cent paid between $100 and $300 for events.

It was difficult to determine exact figures on how many flocked from out of town, but it was clear numbers were steadily growing.

"We are happy, it's just building, which is really nice. There's not much on in June so it gives Hawke's Bay a chance to stand out," Ms Dundas says.

"Twenty per cent of locals bought tickets from outside Hawke's Bay, 25 per cent of locals bought tickets for visiting friends or family. Those statistics are about the same as last year, but you have to remember there are more people coming."

Organisers were now looking ahead to a F.A.W.C! summer series from November 6 to 15 - with a bulked up programme and some exciting new prospects.

People could expect a change to the opening, return of some old favourite chefs, as well as a few new faces.

The free Electrolux kitchen will open its doors again at Napier's MTG, with some extra surprises in store, and Cranford Hospice will benefit from the Charity Wine Auction.

A full programme should be available within the month.

-For more, visit fawc.co.nz