Tēnā koe
This industry update has a few items that may be of interest to you - plus a couple of requests from me!
We are transitioning our industry database onto a new platform (monday.com) and have a quick form that we ask you to complete when you have a moment so we can ensure we have your details correct - this helps ensure we're promoting you correctly, and that when trade or media enquire we can give them accurate information about your business. This is our internal database and the information is just for our use. It won't change your website listing on thecoromandel.nz or newzealand.com sites.
We are also updating our Trade Manual material to be ready for the eXplore and TRENZ trade shows in May. If your business works with the trade (that is, you work with agents, inbound tour operators, online travel agents; take fixed-price bookings up to 18 months in advance; are willing to pay commission; and have a set product that can be booked) or if you want to start doing so, we want to be sure that we're representing you as well as we can at these events. The best way to do that is to check what we are currently presenting about your business in our interactive trade directory (scroll down towards the end of the page, then click through the pages), and our PDF directory. We will be meeting with over 100 different buyers over these events and will be doing all we can to hustle some more business for Hauraki Coromandel! Happy to chat if you've got any questions about what it takes to work with the trade.
We are also meeting with a number of international travel media in May to pitch Hauraki Coromandel to them as a story, and we are hosting some trade famils ahead of TRENZ.
Looking ahead to winter, we are working on some AI training (likely a webinar style workshop or two) to help you get your digital profile optimised for AI. I heard a statistic this week that 80% of holiday related search used to be done on Google, and now that has dropped to 20% as AI has taken over. So it is mission critical that we all pivot (again!) and gear our digital profiles to an AI world. We will confirm dates and details next month.
You will have seen an email inviting you to participate in The Coromandel Cure campaign this winter. We are working hard to maximise our budget and position Hauraki Coromandel as the perfect winter destination. Feel free to reach out to Megan if you've got any queries or ideas about how you could participate in The Coromandel Cure activity.
Lastly, I have been out and about over the past few weeks chatting with local business owners and operators, including speaking at the Enterprise Whangamatā After 5. Thank you to those I've met for your honesty, enthusiasm, feedback and great ideas. It is always so valuable. I have seen and heard how tough it has been for many since the first weather event hit in late January, and how that has compounded over the weeks since. We recognise that this is putting huge strain on many of our businesses, and more importantly, our business owners and leaders.
Alongside amping up our always-on marketing activity to ensure Hauraki Coromandel is front-of-mind for our vast two-hour drive time potential visitor audience, I have written to Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Revenue (and Climate Change, and Local Government), along with Minister Upston (Tourism and Hospitality) and Minister Mitchell (Emergency Management and Recovery). I have officially requested Minster Watts consider offering Hauraki Coromandel tourism businesses some form of tax relief (i.e. deferred tax obligations, provisional tax flexibility, or targeted write-offs), in recognition of the significant impact these series of weather events have had on our industry. I will keep you posted on any progress!
To help you navigate these challenging times, we are launching a Destination Hauraki Coromandel funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by EAP Services. This means that you have access to free and confidential practical assistance to support your wellbeing from today. EAP Services is available to you (and your team members if needed) for practical assistance when personal or work issues arise that may impact you, your ability to do your job or affect wellbeing, such as:
Stress and pressure – personal or work;
Depression and anxiety;
Workplace issues and changes;
Bullying and harassment support;
Anger and conflict issues;
Relationship and family matters;
Grief and loss;
Addictions;
Life transition and personal development;
Health and well-being;
Career planning;
Budgeting and financial assistance;
Personal legal advice.
DHC is funding three sessions per individual (and can maybe do more on a case by case basis). We will not know who has accessed this support. When you click on the link below to register, please select Destination Hauraki Coromandel as the 'employer' and 'work force' as the role. You can then self-identify what kind of support you are needing, and how you'd like to receive it (phone call, video chat or in-person).
EAP Services is easy to access, book online here or call us on 0800 327 669. For more information, please visit www.eapservices.co.nz
Kia kaha e te whanau,
