Gannet Beach Adventures managing director Kim Lindsay says the company is seeing a hike in visitors from South America and Asia. She chats to Mark Story.
What's the best thing about working in the Hawke's Bay tourism industry?
Meeting and mixing with visitors from NZ and around the world, and showcasing the amazing Cape Kidnappers coastline and gannet colony. Our passengers always comment that our staff have the best job/office around! As owner/operators we also get to work alongside others who are passionate about tourism growth in our region.
What percentage of your clients are domestic, as opposed to overseas visitors?
Over the course of the season it is around 70 per cent domestic and 30 per cent international. A huge portion of our domestic market is carried during this Christmas holiday period - with the sun shining in Hawke's Bay our tours are popular and we often run at full capacity during this time.
In terms of the overseas visitors, which country sports the most visitors to your tour?
Visitors from the UK have topped our list for the last three years, followed by Germany and Australia. We are seeing an increase in visitors from areas that previously rarely featured, such as South America (Brazil, Uruguay, Chile) and Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore). Word is definitely spreading, Hawke's Bay is becoming a top destination for travellers to NZ.
What months do you operate and how is the current season shaping up for you?
Our season commences at the end of September, and runs through until the end of April. Numbers are up for this season but there's no relaxing in our camp as being an outdoor activity, Mother Nature calls the shots. Thankfully Hawke's Bay usually delivers the good stuff.