A WAD of extra cash has been given to Auckland regional tourism promotion by Manukau City, to help raise its share of industry revenue in future.
The increase in funding of $225,000 from Manukau City Council to Tourism Auckland is championed by councillor Arthur Anae as a sure way to capitalise on the expected rise in national tourist income.
The council’s contribution now sits at $825,000 a year, alongside $1.75 million from Auckland City Council and $500,000 from Auckland Regional Council, for tourism promotion in the region.
Mr Anae, a former tourist promoter, says national tourism earnings are projected to rise from $3 billion to $9b in the next 10 years.
“We all have fantastic things to show the world,” says Mr Anae, as both small Kiwi towns and large regions develop self-promotion.
“But the cost of promoting is very expensive, nationally and internationally.”
He says tourism should be part of a regional strategy targeting both domestic and international visitors to Auckland. He estimates there are 11,000 jobs in tourism in Manukau, including cafes and other businesses that also benefit directly from it.
Looking forward to the nation’s hosting of Rugby World Cup 2011, Mr Anae says Auckland City hotels will not be able to meet the increased demand alone. Many visitors will choose to come to Manukau, with the Mangere airports being “right in our turf”.
“Auckland won’t be enough, so across the region we can all benefit,” says Mr Anae.
The increased contribution would seem to fit with the Howick Community Board, which recently asked the council that Howick town centre and Historic Village be promoted as regional tourist attractions in future, along with the coastal beaches.
Mr Anae champions Manukau’s beaches as well, and mentions the Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve near the airport as a significant tourist draw card.
