Rotorua tourism operators welcome funding announcement

Senior reporter, Rotorua Daily Post·Rotorua Daily Post·

11 May, 2017 07:13 PM2 mins to read

At Trenz yesterday, Tourism Minister Paula Bennett announced a $102 million infrastructure fund and $76m extra for the Department of Conservation. We asked Rotorua tourism operators at the expo their thoughts.

It's a big number, but there's a lot of things we need to get on with right away.

It's a positive they have listened to the industry and a first step in safeguarding the industry for the future.

Actually, it's a lot more than I thought they would be announcing.

JAMES FITZGERALD
Managing director - Rotorua Canopy Tours

It aligns well with what we are doing at Polynesian Spa and our new cafe and entrance way.

Investing in infrastructure for the wider industry is important for our ongoing success and I'm pleased the Government has made this commitment. We would consider applying for this funding where appropriate and where it ties into our business strategy.

GERT TALJAARD
Chief executive - Polynesian Spa

There's a lot of talk about a lack of capacity in Rotorua, especially at peak times of the year.

Any sort of funding Rotorua can gain would be great - it's necessary stuff. We could do with new toilet facilities and boat ramps ... and I think we could focus on some more accommodation as well.

TREVOR WEIR
Managing director - Rotorua Duck Tours

It means we could develop and expand our offering at Hell's Gate. I could see this being used to build a safer entry and exit point at our attraction as well as a connection to the city's sewerage system that has been holding us back for years.

I hope it will be a streamlined process because the industry needs this money now.

PAUL RAYNER
Operations manager - Hell's Gate (Waiora Group)