Central region sets trend in collaboration

The New Zealand Maori Tourism Society’s Taupo cluster has set a new trend in collaboration with mainstream tourism by negotiating and signing an agreement with its Regional Tourism Organisation.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MRTO which serves the central North Island region and Destination Lake Taupo signals a new and important era of co-operation and collaboration. Destination Lake Taupo is the marketing arm of the Taupo District Council and is the recognised Regional Tourism Organisation for that area and the new agreement is being seen as a major step forward in relations with its MRTO.

The MoU is an innovative mechanism for ensuring that the objectives of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010 will be achieved in the Taupo district.

That strategy requires that “Maori partner with [new] RTOs and agree on roles and accountabilities on regional tourism planning and development and regional destination marketing and destination management.”

David Steele (left) and Jarmie Piripi
sign their way into tourism history

The signing of the MoU requires the MRTO and the RTO to develop a mutually supportive relationship for the development of best practice as it relates to the promotion of Maori interests in tourism.

It also details collaboration on matters such as media and trade familiarisations, the provision of updates to the in-bound tour sector, media relations, input into regional tourism planning and participation at trade shows such as Tourism Rendezvous Exchange New Zealand (TRENZ) and other promotional activities.

The MoU recognises the increasing importance of Local Government engaging in and accepting the value of Maori cultural product and services.

New Zealand Maori Tourism Society chairman Jarmie Piripi says the signing of the MoU is an important step forward in the development of good relations between the MRTO and the RTO in the central region.

“These are very exciting times in the tourism industry. Never before has so much emphasis on, or resource allocated to bringing together mainstream and Maori cultural tourism,” he says.

“The signing of this MoU is a first for New Zealand. It is a significant step forward for both Maori and mainstream tourism and reflects the forward thinking and commitment by Destination Lake Taupo and the NZMTS in highlighting the region’s diverse range of visitor experiences.

“Maori Tourism has evolved to the point where Maori operators now cater to the full spectrum of experiences, from accommodation and transport to fine food and wine through to adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and world-class geothermal attractions in the central region.”