Changes at Southern Lakes Tourism
The Southern Lakes Marketing Board (SLMB) now has three member regional tourism organisations (RTOs) instead of four following the withdrawal of Tourism Central Otago. Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland will continue to operate as a highly successful marketing alliance promoting the Southern Lakes area to overseas markets.
SLMB chairman, Jon Davies said the marketing board respected Central Otago’s decision to withdraw from international marketing to concentrate on ‘destinational management’.
“However, we believe tourism is an essential economy for the three main regions and will continue with business as usual,” he said. “Many local companies and individuals rely on the tourist dollar. It is our objective to continue to deliver that dollar, working in conjunction with each regional tourism organisation to provide sustainable tourism that respects our outstanding natural values.”
“The Southern Lakes Marketing Board plays an essential role in marketing the region overseas,” he continued. “Strength in numbers is important when tapping into the huge overseas market. Each of the remaining three areas is a destination in its own right but they combine to make an incredibly strong product – an approach that is key for success.”
As a co-operative marketing group, the SLMB has been operational since 1999, working to promote the greater region in conjunction with Tourism New Zealand in long haul markets.
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