Blenheim does two things better than Wellington when it comes to encouraging tourism, says the chairwoman of Positively Wellington Tourism.
Glenys Coughlan said the location of the new i-Site on the Grove Rd section of State Highway 1 in Blenheim was better than Wellington's because it had more parking and was more visible.
Blenheim also had a purpose-built convention centre.
Ms Coughlan spoke to the Marlborough District Council community and financial planning committee this month about ways to improve tourism and create a strategic vision for Marlborough. She presented a report written with Destination Marlborough general manager Tracy Johnston and Marlborough Travel owner Chris Godsiff about growth opportunities.
Boosting tourism numbers and attractions was more about bold thinking than spending lots of money, she said.
The Marlborough brand was already quite strong and people immediately get a feel for what the region was about.
"People imagine being in the Marlborough Sounds, drinking wine and eating food, which is a huge asset."
But building tourist numbers was not just about physical attractions. It was important for the council to work with other sectors to create events no other region could replicate.
The Wellington on a Plate event in August had been created in 2009 to fill a gap in the winter events calendar but had grown into one of the city's premiere events.
She also urged the council to work with neighbouring regions to create complementary events or experiences.
"When visitors come to New Zealand they don't see regional boundaries, they see experiences."
Mr Godsiff said the region needed a clear vision of what it could become and work with businesses. "Our end goal is all the same. If we can get some like-minded people together, then let's brainstorm."
The region was being held back by problems such as the lack of a big hotel and regular services by larger aircraft, he said.
The councillors agreed to spend $50,000 developing a strategic vision for the region.
- The Marlborough Express
SIMON WONG
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