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I'm so looking forward to not being in HB for most of the World Cup and instead going to some of the games elsewhere!
We have some blow up dolls on marine parade, a bossom (oops blossom festival) in Hastings and lamb shagging in CHB.
We would have had a grass rugby ball but for some reason our weather is not good for growing grass...
As far as I'm concerned we're doing sweet f all for the rugby world cup - but does it matter?? We'll be wrapped up in watching the games and hoping the AB's get to the final but economically the region will probably go backwards during the cup rather than forwards. We have two minor games at McLean Park and most of their supporters will be busing down from Rotorua.
It is too late to have something that attracts tourists to the Bay or does it actually matter that we don't have anything of substance? I believe we've missed our opportunity - we had an opportunity 2-3 years ago when there should have been some smart thinking about what HB could have done and how we could have positioned ourselves. I've heard it being harped on that the world cup is an opportunity to leave or start a legacy - what will be the legacy of the Bay? We needed to invest in HB so that those that come here leave with a great impression and tell others to visit (a legacy).
09:41, 16.05.2011
Completely agree Damon.
The idea of presenting HB as the best place to stay during the cup by setting up a cup village (maybe at the showgrounds) with big screen, wifi, security, farmers market etc seems to have gone nowhere. I would have thought that was bare minimum stuff.
Seems an appropriate time for the ‘organising a piss up in a brewery’ analogy.
Worse than disappointing. Negligent.
Rod
17:27, 16.05.2011
Damon, I’d have to disagree. Whilst I haven’t been involved in organizing any activities myself, I have seen many people hard at work on this.
I’d also add that I’ve been keeping a close eye on activities in all other regions and Hawke’s Bay is from my analysis doing well.
Granted in terms of scale and budget we cannot compete with gateway locations like Auckland and Wellington, but when compared to our provincial cousins it’s a very different story. Have a look for yourself on the Festival website: http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/experiencerealnz
Ngati Kahungunu have been doing a great job. In particular I think two of their events will be very successful, these being the Takitimu Festival (think the Maori version of WOMAD) and the Rugby, Haka and Hangi festival which is held at multiple locations throughout HB. Both of these are obviously strongly focussed on Maori culture which is one of New Zealand’s true USPs. Both events also received considerable funding from NZ2011, as they conveyed the “Real New Zealand” element of the festival.
Whilst you may think CHB is just a bit of “sheep shagging” once again NZ2011 obviously had a very different take. The Lamb Festival was one of the largest single location funding recipients. We need to remember who the market is. For RWC it is international through and through, so whilst a rural experience might not be your thing, it isn’t targeted at you.
I also believe there are still a number of quite major events to be added to the Hawke’s Bay calendar. The HB Maori Business is an example of this, they are finalizing the details of a large event and this will be launched shortly.
I’d be interested to know which region you would think is nailing it?
17:40, 16.05.2011
As you know Paul – i’m only focussed on one region – HB.
i’m posing some questions and have made some observations. I’m also not 100% sure i creating new events is the best thing anyway (like other regions) and by doing what we already have better might be the answer. Running events has many risks and investment prior to return. However i will go in record in saying that the “blow up rugby game” is naff and if the objective is to lure tourists – then what a joke!
You’re right that i’m not the target market for many events but if that’s the case why are most of our annual fixtures being put into this window?
The 2 NK events do have potential as does the lamb festival – as they are unique but my next question is how are people going to find out about these events? I also don’t know if we’ve looked at the target market of those coming to the cup. In most countries rugby is played by the elite and these guys will look for a bit of kiwi culture but they’re more than likely to go to a golf course and perhaps a winery or boutique brewery. I’m going to games in Auckland & Wgtn and while there will go for a mtb ride and visit a few pubs.
I know HB Maori Biz are looking at event and this has potential.
Keen to hear others thoughts on this – It was good to wake Rod up in New York to hear his.
12:44, 17.05.2011
From Saturday’s HB Today:
“Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott said the loss of the ball was a big disappointment.
“I thought that the big grass rugby ball epitomised everything that is New Zealand,” she said.
“It was something really quirky and different that would have worked.””
What? Just how does a giant grass rugby ball represent New Zealand, let alone Napier or Hawke’s Bay?
I would accept that large grass things represent Napier City Council’s tourism strategy over the past decades, as that is all that has become of Marine Parade – once a grand strip of activity, now just a long lawn. Perfect if you’re name is “Eunice” or “Flossy” and you like to say “Baa” a lot. But it’s thoroughly pointless for tourists or families looking for something to do by the seaside.
And do we really want to be known as “Quirky”? Ohakune’s giant carrot is “quirky”. Te Puke’s giant kiwifruit is “quirky” (it’s also a bit grotty and smells kind of funny on the inside). Kitsch does not equal credibility – in fact it’s quite the opposite. Isn’t Napier’s always-at-the-ready, one-trick-pony – Art Deco – quirky enough? How many new ideas for the city have been smothered by its architecture and high level supporters?
It was inevitable there would be some form of Art Deco influence in festivities, considering who H.B.’s RWC2011 coordinator was (have there been any / many other principle players in promoting the city over the last decade?). But I wonder how interested in getting dresses up in period costume for a post match “Art Deco Party” your average rugby fan, international or otherwise, must be?
As Damon says, I think it’s a bit too late for major change and completely new ideas are not always the best course of action. We now have to work with what we’ve been saddled with, but I’m certain it will be the region’s people, rather than events that make the best lasting impressions. Come October, however, I think Napier needs to (at the least) seriously look at who and how it markets and promotes itself and if it is time for a new range ideas and personnel, because the same old guard that have been at the helm over recent years certainly haven’t moved the city very far forward.
12:56, 17.05.2011
Just to clarify here – it is not NCC that proposed a grass rugby ball – this was a collective idea under the regions world cup team. I actually think the NCC has done some think outside of the square when it comes to marketing of late.
My thoughts are not directed at any council – as i think we all have a responsibility for attempting to showcase the region and in fact the perceived problems probably hard back to Venture HB – which now doesn’t exist.
14:52, 17.05.2011
Agreed, we do all have a responsibility; it’s not just the NCC. I merely pointed out my angle as I thought the mayor’s statement was very peculiar. As Napier is hosting the games and will be location and focus for a large portion of festivities, the city and its residents / businesses (rather than the organisers) will inevitably carry the can / reap the benefits if things go fantastically / horrifically.
With so much of the region’s promotion controlled by a select few, what should / can we (i.e. the public, companies etc.) then be doing to promote this great region when those tasked with the role all to often appear to be stymied by a lack of coordination, promotion, capability or existence? Because someone has to!
15:50, 17.05.2011
Great thread and discussion folks. Whether the “official” event planning is sufficient or not, what is private enterprise doing locally? If it were profitable to throw a World Cup rock concert with Bruce Springsteen at McLean Park in Napier then they would be doing it right? There’s criticism of the public sector for the taxpayers money it is spending or intended to spend but what is private enterprise in Hawke’s Bay doing?
16:41, 17.05.2011
Well, interesting viewing these comments Damon. My personal view is that you are ignorant to think that things are not being or have not been done.
Also you too Rod by stating “Worse than disappointing. Negligent”. What are you expecting? What is it that you want to hear? Are communications lacking from the various organisations that are planning these activities? Or is your vision an ‘American style’ party with no expense spared?
I am on the board of Central Hawke’s Bay Promotions and I was a founding member of the group that submitted the bid to lotteries for funding. I live in Waipukurau, own my own business (ezibed.com + now isocial) and perform marketing duties for the Chateau Tongariro Hotel on Mt Ruapehu and Wairakei Resort Taupo.
The Lamb Festival video that I completed for Central Hawke’s Bay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ_pbdGdiAo) was part of the reason CHB got a the funding it did – as Paul states… “The Lamb Festival was one of the largest single location funding recipients.”
We didn’t have a budget. Just an idea. We wanted the community to have buy in first and my showing it through a video and social media, we got buy in and it has snowballed from there.
Damon, you state….
“As far as I’m concerned we’re doing sweet f all for the rugby world cup – but does it matter”
Planning has been happening since June/July last year. I’ve got hundreds of emails in my folder showing that we have made progress and that the events planned will matter. After all, in Central Hawke’s Bay we are trying create a legacy, not just a one off to tie in with the RWC. The tournament is the catalyst to make things happen for the future.
The ‘Paddock to the Plate’ tours are designed to spin off into tours designed for the cruise market. Already 160,000 passengers visit Napier every cruise season. We are looking at how we can add value to their stays, and profit from their visit. We want operators to see the big picture… that if passengers get back on the cruise boats without us having taken money off them, then that’s a lost opportunity. That includes Maori. The product offering we are trying to get ready for RWC will continue through summer seasons in the future.
This is sustainable because if we can get our local farmers diversifying their product offering, buses running services, tour guides leading the tours, then we create jobs and enhance a brand – Hawke’s Bay.
“It is too late to have something that attracts tourists to the Bay or does it actually matter that we don’t have anything of substance?”
The Running of the Lambs event planned will in my view be an event that is unique, has substance and can attract visitors to our region. We are anticipating 5,000 people to this event in its first year, and when the event becomes an annual event, it is hoped that even more visitors will visit Hawke’s Bay. Only today, I spoke with Carol Ann Stubbs (event organiser) about the Running of the Lambs, and making that event an early evening event would mean we could tie in with the Blossom festival and Paddock to the Pate tours to visitors. Give visitors to spend a full weekend in the Hawke’s Bay. If we work collectively and not be conflicting (events/times) we then have the opportunity to draw more people to the region.
WOW (Wearable Arts) started very small and look at that at a marketing brand now.
“I’ve heard it being harped on that the world cup is an opportunity to leave or start a legacy – what will be the legacy of the Bay?”
CHB Promotions has a clear legacy strategy. We want to provide an annual event that builds our regions product offering and market this brand to the world. To CHB, we are Lamb Country and we quite clearly know what is unique and marketable. Silver Fern Farms have already committed sponsorship dollars as have other companies, and we need more businesses to get behind the events planned. Our legacy is making our events annual, creating jobs, instilling pride in our community and selling a brand that then allows our primary producers to ride on. That’s how I see it.
Lotteries funding has only this week been placed into Council bank accounts, and passed over to those lucky applicants of the lotteries funding, so a lot of the planning work should be in action over the next couple of months.
Central Hawke’s Bay will have new branded signage, retailers and businesses are on board, Waipukurau and Waipawa will display street signs, our visitor centre is receiving an upgrade and full booking functionality has been added to the new website. Stuff’s happening. You just don’t see that stuff yet.
Damon, you mention “I’m also not 100% sure i creating new events is the best thing anyway (like other regions) and by doing what we already have better might be the answer.”
Central Hawke’s Bay doesn’t have that luxury. We have to start from scratch and this is our opportunity to do so. If Napier and Hastings want to bicker and debate what’s right and wrong then so be it….we’ll continue to build our strategy moving forward.
Andrew, you mention “With so much of the region’s promotion controlled by a select few, what should / can we (i.e. the public, companies etc.) then be doing to promote this great region when those tasked with the role all to often appear to be stymied by a lack of coordination, promotion, capability or existence?”
There is heaps. Get behind in sponsorships, if you are retail, build a combined theme. Ruapehu is doing the $20.11 campaign whereby in each business something will be on sale for $20.11. Retailers are the shop fronts, a coordinated approach from those retail associations with the tourism agencies and business associations needs to happen.
The latest visitor stats came out this week (http://www.rugbyworldcupnews.com/mail/display.php?M=190333&C=eb88d089368ebc093b41ba64430d686f&S=574&L=2&N=269 – get updates if you don’t already) and these show that 30% of tickets are still available for RWC.
Australia offers the best market opportunity to sell these tickets in I believe.
So I ask the question…what is Tourism New Zealand doing to promote our destinations in order to sell the remaining 30% of tickets. How is New Zealand being promoted offshore to our potential clients? Do our close markets even know the RWC is in New Zealand?
How many thousands more of international visitors could we have in New Zealand if those tickets are snapped up by high income earners from Australia? The people that we can sell our wine, lamb, art deco, lodges and art too, and conduct business with.
There will always be those that criticize what is being done, mostly due to ignorance, but I can asure you, in Central Hawke’s Bay, we are not confused as to what we are offering, we are doing it. And with 4 months out, we collectively (Hawke’s Bay) need to be behind this and all events happening… and ensure that our regional & national marketing organisation are made aware our potential market is right at our doorstep.
23:36, 17.05.2011
I’ve been heavily involved in a number of initiative’s and promotions so have been keeping a close eye out. Planning has gone well for the Business Club and there are some great things going on around the country with many events locked in that we can plan for.
For well over a year I’ve mentioned to almost everyone involved in the Hawkes Bay programs (and this includes over 3 workshops) how the Bay is naturally the place people will want to stay and some simple things we should be doing.
Henry H has some great stuff going on but other than that I haven’t seen any coordinated program to capture value of the visitors that are coming.
Now’s the time to get our act together and be very clear about what’s happening when also we can start to lock down meetings and events with those that are coming through.
For example, what HB unique events are there that I can start blasting out to our UK partners to help sell them on a trip down here? What unique events can we promote up to the Business Club that will entice people into the region for a couple of nights so that we can build deep relationships? It could be as simple as a 4WD weekend camping trip. Things that are interesting that we can pitch to win visitors.
What business conferences are happening over that time?
Are we going to do a ‘best place to stay’ campaign. Does anyone own that?
So far all just seems a bit passive to me rather than getting out there and dragging value into the region.
I’m already locking my calendar in for the timeframe and there doesn’t seem to be much to do in the Bay.
Rod
08:38, 18.05.2011
Damon i think your comments are down right “stink.” I work in Tourism and live in Auckland but I am a Central Hawkes Bay local. I came up with the Central Hawkes Bay Lamb Country/Festival concept and have spent a lot of my personal time between Auckland and CHB working with the locals to develop this into a product ready for the World Cup. We got off our arse’s and did something about making somthing of our community for the few weeks the World Cup is on, but with the bigger pictire of creating a legacy that will hopefully keep our CHB community in sustainable employment in the years to come. So for ou to refer to all our hard work and final products as “lamb shagging” really piss’s me off. You have no idea what work we have put in to get this far, you have no idea how many other people have volunteered time to this project, you have no idea how imporatant this is to the CHB community. So how dare you trivilaise our hard work, effort and unselfish commitment to make something of our community. And for all of you who agreed with Damon, you are stink too. Im sure all the other people who have worked to try and put some events together would be just as pissed off at your reference to there own hard work and effort as i am.
08:51, 18.05.2011
Rod, your questions are the exact ones we need answers to.
“what HB unique events are there that I can start blasting out to our UK partners to help sell them on a trip down here? What unique events can we promote up to the Business Club that will entice people into the region for a couple of nights so that we can build deep relationships? It could be as simple as a 4WD weekend camping trip. Things that are interesting that we can pitch to win visitors.”
Great idea. With the Lamb Country theme, part of the legacy is selling more lamb with our primary and manufacturing partners, so we need to be hosting representatives who can help the region achieve greater sales results in for example the UK market.
Are there buyers of our food, wine and other products coming down. Have companies invited these buyers down. Are you being good hosts?
It’s about winning visitors yes, but it is also about showcasing the Hawke’s Bay and its offerings.
But you are right Rod, if companies are already doing the stuff we are talking about above already and nobody knows – then great, make more noise about who’s coming out, but it needs to be done, we’re running out of time.
09:07, 18.05.2011
Adam – please read my first blog. I did coin the festival as something it isn’t and sorry.
I wanted to start some discussion and i think i’ve achieved that. I spoke with Gareth last night and I support the unique concept CHB has come up with – not because it’s a world cup event but because the event has the potential to be annual.
The question i am posing is i really don’t think HB has got of its arse and looked at how offshore we can attract people to the mediterranian of NZ during the Cup. We have some events and have awarded some funding but how are we tapping into those that have purchased packages and are now wondering what to do between games…It’s not about creating an event and waiting for them to come – event organisers need funding support to market the events offshore now – and that’s where a collective approach led by the local world cup group come in.
09:45, 18.05.2011
“The Running of the Lambs event planned will in my view be an event that is unique”.
Except that Te Kuiti has been holding a “Running of the Sheep” event for some years.
10:23, 18.05.2011
Damon i totally get were you are coming from, and i do agree with you to an extent. But from my point of view you made a negative comment about something that a small community has put some heart and sole into, and thats what offended me. It was that comment in my response that i am referring too.
Starting some discussion is great, good on you, and you mentioned your comments are pointed at the region as a whole. But you also referred to and triavlised our Lamb Festival, and our efforts in a derogatory manner, and that got my wick up.
11:49, 18.05.2011
Check out Te Rangi’s Rugby Haka and Hangi event
http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/Visit/Calendar/Rugby-Haka-and-Hangi-Festival/
14:56, 18.05.2011
Yip as alluded – a lot of information there… is there another website to have a look at?
Also since starting this debate i have asked 20 people what is happening in HB during the World Cup – apart from the obvious – a couple of games at McLean Park – they don’t know anymore.
But as Paul says perhaps the Lamb festival isn’t targeted at me (local) – funny that as I spoke with the one of the organisers last night and there intention is to make it an annual event – which surely will target locals and tourists from within NZ.
17:00, 18.05.2011
Interesting debate but…..those taking umbrage at Damon’s comments are simply overly protective of their RWC investments, hard work and promo’s, they’re being overly sensitive. Damon opened up a can of worms and encouraged debate and some have responded to that way too personally.
I’m sorry to say that the H/Bay RWC event calendar is far from inspiring really. It all looks a bit boring, like Art Deco really.
If we had a more collective marketing and tourism strategy we would have simply promoted the region as a great place to visit and built a business and event program around that made it even more compelling to come. We’ve never shown any ability to collectively promote our region so what makes anyone think we’d do it for something as special as RWC2011?
I’m afraid we’ve probably missed the boat. The visitors will still pass through and marvel at our wonderful food, wine, climate (if the weather plays its part) and lovely buildings with fancy fronts (really) but there doesn’t appear to be anything yet which will inspire, excite and leave a lasting legacy and that’s sad.
Our hand was probably dealt when we got dished up two fairly ordinary games. We probably needed to promote ourselves way more aggressively when they were dishing out the games but then again, we might not have done that collectively as well.
08:48, 19.05.2011
The debate is great and obviously the proof will be in the pudding.
My suspicion is that RWC will just leave New Zealand with a few new stadium and a large debt. Discussions with the business community in Auckland (where the real action will be happening) suggest that the general consensus there is that the majority of business will not benefit $1 and that we have really pandered to a rugby loving minority (one of the fastest declining sports in terms of participation evidently).
I am optimistic that someone can provide some honest and credible insight in what the return on the local investment in Peter Mooney and his team delivers for the region. Based on the lack or real outcomes from entities like Venture Hawke’s Bay, the chances of this ytransperant reporting are slim.
12:59, 21.05.2011
Off to club rugby this arvo and will be interesting to talk to those at the grassroots to see how they think the Bay should be attracting tourists to the Bay for the World Cup. From those that i’ve spoken to this week – those except event organisers, it’s been mind blowing that know one knows just what’s going on.
As said it’s not about the events, it’s about what is going to pull people into the Bay as they make their way up to Auckland prior to the 1/4 finals and possibly btwn the semis and finals.
Also have heard that “the powers to be” see all of this discussion as not helpful to the cause… in fact they’re really pissed off! Are we not better to be raising it now as a community rather than afterwards? Apparently there are a few announcements on the way – can’t wait!
08:23, 23.05.2011
I often wonder – do the “powers that be” have any default settings other that “pissed off” and “getting their own way”? Sure, sometimes they can be both simultaneously, but all too often when resistance, differing ideas or opinions arise their first course of action is just to attack.
Creating the old “us versus them” mentality doesn’t help, as usually both “us” and “them” become equally aggressive, (what little there may be) communication breaks down and nothing gets done.
People are obviously taking notice of the comments and debate above. Noone here is saying “We don’t want the World Cup here” or “We hate Hawke’s Bay”. It is proactive ideas and discussion from smart, successful people who clearly love this region and only want the best for it. When they see something they consider sub-par it is their right to voice their opinion. And indeed, isn’t it better to air these issues before the event in the hope of change and betterment rather than ruminating on them and saying “I told you so” afterwards? Insert metaphor about ambulances and cliffs here.
13:48, 24.05.2011
“Debate Makes News!” Or should that be “News Makes Debate”
http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/local/news/world-cup-planning-sparks-hawkes-bay-debate/3953101/
15:32, 24.05.2011
Interesting reading. As a proud HB product living in NZ’s only true, dynamic city you really shouldn’t worry about what is going to be an over hyped tournament. I have attended two of these events in the past decade and so far have not seen any of the rhetoric lived up to – the worst being Sydney’s ‘party zone’.
The Motherland, as I like to call it, has everything going for it and always will have. I think HB does a fine job at promoting itself and uses its strengths in food, wine and geography to its advantage. I would go as far to say that HB is known by my fellow Java’s as the playground of the east coast bro.
A lot of heated debate here which is great – but forget the WC2011 its an Auckland event (we have a shed and a stadium in the wrong spot) and the benefit to the rest of the country is going to minimal, except for the warm fuzzies when we finally win the thing.
17:13, 24.05.2011
Yikes, blog comment makes real news.
Oh well at least we’ve got people attention with a few months to go.
I have heard of a few events shortly to be announce but it still feels like we’re wasting a big opportunity.
I don’t agree with Gregor. There are lots of business owners and influencers coming to NZ and it’s a great opportunity to build relationships by bringing them to the regions for a few days.
The Business Club is a great way to connect.
http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/business/new-zealand/
Rod
21:01, 24.05.2011
Thanks for the Business Club link Rod.
We’ll do our part by volunteering Hilton to be a mountain bike guide for Te Mata Peak again, those guys from Accelerate2011 conference said they had a blast up there with him.
I see on the Business Club case studies that our mate Jeremy Christmas is already doing a similiar tour in Rotorua’s MTB forest – so we’ll ask him to send his guests down our way too. It’s all about connections, right? Personal recommendations are a much stronger force than glossy brochures or websites no one looks at.
Everyone and anyone in HB needs to be asking themselves: Who in my New Zealand network, outside HB, is already going to be hosting visitors? Will they send their visitors on to our region next, with a personal recommendation of favourite things to do while they’re here?
What if every international visitor heard repeated again and again “you simply must go to Hawke’s Bay while you’re in New Zealand”. Surely they will end up chanting HB’s new mantra… Get Me To Hawke’s Bay!
12:22, 28.05.2011
Hi There. It is always easy to criticise what is or is not happening around anything. The thing that is always interesting is that those who criticise often do not offer alternatives or solutions. There are significant things being done around World Cup and more will come to light in the next month.
The reality is that HB was never going to be as attractive as the main centres and Tourist areas as these have more and better games.
Can we please use this forum for what is intended for and that is to encourage and foster good ideas and business in Hawkes Bay?
Please look and find out the great work that the Hastings District Council has done, the fine people of CHB and the various Maori Groups that are all involved in really good events?
There appears to be a group here who cares enough to comment. How about getting together to come up with some more ideas and events to market? There is still time to do some more great things around this event.
Hawthorns at 8.30 on Wednesday 1 June to have a brainstorm. Please come if you want to be part of the solution?
cheers
Jeremy
10:36, 29.05.2011
Jeremy – there have been ideas within this blog and some people within this have also offered advice at various times over the last 3 years.
There may well be some announcements pending but perhaps this little debate has made them even think harder about what HB is doing – perhaps they are actually on notice from this debate and the story in HB Today.
I have been to 2 functions this weekend – the rescue heli event and the sport awards – a large number of people came up to me and agreed that they know little about what HB is doing and also that we could well miss out on tourists coming here. Also you would have thought at the the regions premier awards – HB Tourism would have been present and asked for a spot to reveal or excite connected sport people about their plans.
It’s not about the quality of the games we have it’s what are we doing to lure people here at other stages of the cup? We have a great tag line – Get me to HB – so lets hope they use this is some innovative and quirky ways…
Also can’t wait to hear what HDC is doing…
Jeremy are you the facilitator of the brainstorm and are any of working party attending or will they again be absent in their approach? There’s no point coming up with ideas if the organisers/decision makers are not going to be there. At this late stage they’re the ones with the money or at least access to it.
Cheers Damon
12:42, 30.05.2011
Hi Damon
Thank you for your response. Yes I am facilitating the brainstorm on Wednesday. I am only interested in coming up with solutions and ensuring that they are put in place and acted on proactively. I am encouraged by the response so far and I have had a number of emails from people who are coming.
One thing that is clear here and you mentioned it in your response. No one appears to know what is going on. Is that not an opportunity for the media to find out what is on and then communicate that out to the community? I notice that the latest “The Profit” magazine has little to say about the events for the Cup. Maybe the next issue could focus on that?
We are all interested in pushing HB forward and so let us all work together in that endeavour!
cheers
Jeremy
11:31, 01.06.2011
Hi All
Great meeting this morning and a fantastic coffee at Hawthorns. The crew at HB Tourism have been very hard at work. Please see HB Today for the start of the communication process around what is on in HB, in and around the Cup.
Of note, 18 International media have been hosted in HB from Japan, Canada and France. HB has been heavily promoted at Trendz (annual Tourism Trade Show) and the Food Festival in Wellington. There has also been a great deal of activity using Social Media.
Let us all offer positive support to the events that are taking place and get excited about the “Running of the Lambs” and the “Mutton Dressed as Lamb Ball” and the other events that make up the “Having a Ball Festival” being run in HB.
cheers
Jeremy
21:25, 01.06.2011
It’s never too late, are people over complicating things and trying too hard to be different?
What does Hawkes Bay do best? Food, wine, luxury. We are an hours flight from well, just about everywhere in NZ.
Watching Close up the other night and I got the feeling, alot of accomodation in the big centres may not even be booked yet. Does this mean the overseas visitors are also not that well planned?
Don’t know the logistics, but a Hawkes Bay Stand at the main airports, offering “wine, food and acommodation” packages
A co-ordination centre set up through the councils to book flights, accomodation and wine tours, etc
There is also the perception that NZ is broken after the Earth Quake, some visitors maybe confused about NZ at the moment.
Yip, they maybe here for the rugger, but well, do what we do best.