Rotorua tourism companies join forces to maximise visitor experiences

Charlotte Brady, left, Andrew Akers, and Kelly Hemana at the event. Photo/Supplied

Key Rotorua tourism operators have come together to create a first of its kind training and networking event for Rotorua accommodation partners.

This inaugural two-hour event, Hello Social, was held at The Social Room on Wednesday.

Hello Social was a collaborative effort from 15 Rotorua tourism operators and the Rotorua Association of Motels.

OGO Rotorua sales and marketing manager Anna Rodgers said local accommodation partners were a vitally important extension of individual marketing teams.

"Not only are they often the first contact our guests have when arriving in Rotorua, they are trusted and valuable resources for our visitors who are looking for their advice and recommendations on what to do, see and eat during their stay in town.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us all to provide updates on our products before high season commences, but it is a great chance to network and get to know each other better."

Tristen Williams and Charlotte Branch.

The feedback from local accommodation operators about the event was overwhelmingly positive, with 50 guests attending.

Rotorua Association of Motels vice president Shelley Hobson-Powell said as an accommodation provider it was important to know what was on offer to best enhance their guests' visit to Rotorua.

"We like to think that we are 'selling' Rotorua and not just ourselves which means we like to work closely with individual businesses and develop lasting relationships with them.

"This is also a great opportunity to meet new people that have taken the step into our amazing industry."

The guests were treated to an evening of local food and wine hosted by the Blue Baths in the picturesque Social Room where the evening culminated with three guests being drawn for spot prizes with included a Volcanic Hills wine pack, Terrace Kitchen dining vouchers and a crater lakes helicopter flight for two with Volcanic Air.

Rotorua operators involved in Hello Social were OGO Rotorua, Blue Baths/Terrace Kitchen, The Buried Village, Agroventures Adventure Park, Redwoods Treewalk, Off Road NZ, Rotorua Canopy Tours, Adventure Playground, Kawarau Jet, Rotorua Duck Tours, Volcanic Air, River Rats Raft and Kayak, AmazeMe, Agrodome and Rainbow Springs.