Proposal for Council to give Waipa tourism push |
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 TOURISM AHEAD believes Waipa District Council has a role to play in promoting tourist attractions like Maungatautari and Te Awamutu’s iconic Rose Garden. 341061AD By Grant Johnston Tourism is a major contributor to the Waipa economy, and it should be promoted through regional collaboration and co-ordination. That was the consensus of last week’s public meeting in Te Awamutu promoted by Tourism Ahead. Spokesperson, Ian Parlane (a former board member of the now defunct Tourism Waikato) says the meeting demonstrated that there is desire for a tourism development organisation for Waipa. Mr Parlane says the group appreciated Council facilitating the meeting and paying for a convenor to run it. "Council is also to be congratulated for its foresight and planning as far as tourism in our district is concerned.” Mr Parlane says Council staff have been supportive of Tourism Ahead’s efforts, including district development officer, Phyllis Huitema and manager policy and strategy, Ross McNeil. “The demise of Tourism Waikato has left a void in regional tourism and tourism is so important to our district that there was no way we were going to let it languish,” Mr Parlane told the Courier. At the same time, Hamilton based economic development group, Katoloyst is promoting greater financial contribution from tourism operators and district councils to tourism in the Waikato region. Waipa was one of just six councils funding Tourism Waikato - contributing an annual grant of $15,000 towards promotion of tourism in the region. Tourism Waikato ‘went out of business’ earlier this year after Hamilton City Council withdrew its annual grant of $230,000 - frustrated that some councils were being propped up by the city’s ratepayers. Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston said Council would carefully consider any proposal put to it, but warned it would be looking to ensure ratepayers were getting value for money before committing to any financial support. Mr Parlane says Tourism Ahead will formally approach WDC with a proposal for Council to establish a new tourism authority. Tourism Ahead wants Council to adopt a leading role in developing a tourism strategy, defining and shaping the future role of |