Editorial: Mardi gras boost to economy

The organisers of Ohakune's Mountain Mardi Gras must be breathing a sigh of relief.
Despite concerns expressed earlier this month over the behaviour of some of those who flock to the mountain town for the annual snow-season celebration, it appears this year's event went off relatively smoothly.
A total of 39 people were arrested at Saturday night's mardi gras, significantly down on the 54 arrested the year before.
Earlier this month, Wanganui regional St John operations manager Jimmy Seville described the festival as a night of absolute madness for young teens to get wasted on drugs and alcohol, citing past examples where revellers had stripped off and jumped into the freezing Mangawhero River.
Yet, this year, arrests were down and, although it's not possible to say whether that drop came as a result of Mr Seville's warning or simply because of better behaviour by partygoers, it's a good outcome in any event.
Some will argue that 39 arrests is still 39 too many, but celebrations of this nature will always lead to people overdoing it. What can't be denied are the positive spin-offs for Ohakune retailers and accommodation providers from the Mountain Mardi Gras.
The event provides a valuable financial top-up near the start of the ski season, and in these financially tough times there's no doubt that the Mountain Mardi Gras has a valuable part to play in helping to sustain Ohakune's economy.
For that reason alone, it can only be hoped the event remains a part of the winter social calendar, and that those who attend it do so without causing too many problems.
It's great to see the success of the Wanganui visitor information centre.
As reported in yesterday's Chronicle, the centre has retained its Qualmark endorsement and improved on its previous assessment grade, with an overall score of 88.4 per cent - well above the pass mark of 60 per cent.
Visitor information centres are often the first place tourists turn to when they arrive in a new city, and the experience they have there often ends up shaping their entire impression of a new place.
Those involved with our visitor information centre can be justifiably proud of their efforts in ensuring not only that guests to our city receive a warm welcome, but that they enjoy their time here and encourage others to visit.
Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz