By CHRIS BRAMWELL in Taupo
After eight years marketing the Lake Taupo district as a prime tourist centre, Destination Lake Taupo General Manager Paul Yeo is off to a new challenge.
Mr Yeo is taking up a similar position with the Marlborough Regional Tourism Organisation in Blenheim.
"I'm ready for a new challenge and it's time for someone with a fresh outlook to come in," he said.
"There is always a risk of becoming complacent in a position like this, so change is good."
The focus of tourism in Taupo changed during Mr Yeo's time at the helm.
"In the early days we tried to be good at everything, competing with Rotorua. Now we know our strengths and Rotorua and Taupo complement each other very well.
"Rotorua has the mass tourism market wrapped up, we are more suited to the independent market. The backpacker market has become very big for us - in the past that market was essentially frowned upon as they wouldn't spend much on accommodation, but it's what they spend outside of the rooms that is important.
"They want to take part in all the great outdoors activities we have in the area, the big one here being the tandem skydiving," Mr Yeo said.
He cited the airport as a major issue for Taupo.
"To maintain our boutique position we don't need transtasman flights - let's leave that to Rotorua. We need a solution that satisfies all parties," Mr Yeo said.
Among the challenges he faced during his time in Taupo was gaining community acceptance of tourism.
"It can be hard to convince the local community of the benefits of tourism. Often they cannot directly see the benefits, but it has a flow-on effect. A local hotel will need an electrician, service providers certainly see the benefits and we have established a good relationship with retailers," Mr Yeo said.
While much progress had been made in recent years, Mr Yeo said there was still one thing he believed would benefit the area - a district name change.
He said it was important to promote the area as the Lake Taupo district, rather than the Taupo district, as it was a more holistic and emotive name.
The Taupo District Council is interviewing candidates for Mr Yeo's position.
Tourism boss farewells Taupo
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