Flights spark new initiatives for Rotorua

Rotorua has already increased its push into the Australian market on the eve of new trans-Tasman flights into the city.

Air New Zealand begins flying between Sydney and Rotorua on December 12. A group of Rotorua based operators visited Australia early November to spread the message, with presentations to media and buyers in Sydney and visits to meetings and incentives operators in Melbourne.

Rotorua has also appointed an Australian representative, Debbie Wooton, who will be based in Sydney. She has previously worked for The Organiser as a conference and event manager.

Denise Siviter, conventions and incentives manager with the Rotorua Convention Bureau says the potential out of Australia is exciting for 2010 and beyond.

‘We are already getting enquiries out of Australia for Rotorua and we are working on some quotes right now. It is all really positive, people are looking for something different and we fulfil that.’

Siviter says Air New Zealand is bringing some professional conference organisers over on the inaugural flight - again emphasising the importance of the market.