Pacific Coast view from The Pinnacles summit

Kia ora,

Thanks to the many businesses in the visitor industry who have shared details about their current situation and future perspectives. There has been a lot of detail provided with common themes that require action.

Understanding that weather and roading conditions continue to evolve, it is important that our next steps are considered and timely.

Today’s actions:

-       Destination Hauraki Coromandel (DHC) will be joining the Visitor Sector Emergency Advisory Group this afternoon. The immediate priority for this national group is the safety of travellers.

-       Please keep in touch with your local information centre regarding the status of travelling guests (e.g. stranded visitors). Alternatively contact Cara if you’re aware of travellers needing support cara@thecoromandel.com or 022 199 7690.

-       We have shared a summary of the industry responses with national tourism bodies and officials.

-       We have drafted a communication response for media and trade channels (more details to come in the coming days).

Industry Feedback (in summary):

The enormity of the latest weather events, the impact on businesses and the fear around the roading network and in particular SH25A is causing significant stress. The current situation (and feeling) in Hauraki Coromandel is a reflection of these common themes:

1. Loss of business;

2. Uncertainty (particularly regarding SH25A); and

3. Accuracy of information (or lack of).

We are in regular communication with Thames-Coromandel District and Hauraki District Councils. We are also sharing a summary of feedback, with detail, to national tourism bodies (e.g. Tourism Export Council, Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Tourism New Zealand, Ministry Business Innovation and Employment, Regions Tourism New Zealand , Central Governemnt etc.). The purpose being to appeal for support to businesses and the region.

Once the weather and roading situation is clear we will be quick to communicate that the region is back to business and the recommended travel routes – this is the immediate priority for tourism businesses. Please note that we can’t go too early with these communications due to the risk of further events (e.g. slips). Like you, we are monitoring the weather and long range forecast, we will remain in contact with Councils and Civil Defence. We are also working on marketing and promotion beyond our immediate response. We are well aware of the power of ‘language’ in communications – e.g. scenic route, Pacific Coast Highway as opposed to detours and long way around etc.

(Remember to update travel maps and routes on your own websites. Start thinking about promoting recommended places to visit, eat and shop en route to your place. Be prepared to work with other businesses in other towns, to develop itineraries and packages to present compelling ways to travel the region).

Refunds, cancellations and lost earnings are extremely tough. There is a variation of responses that pertain to individual booking terms and conditions and brand reputation.

Last year Destination Hauraki Coromandel initiated a private Tourism Industry Forum on Facebook. This is a good place to share queries and solutions with industry peers.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/haurakicoromandeltourismbusinesshub

Beyond the immediate concern of getting back to business, infrastructure and connectivity are a top priority. The need to improve access to, and around, the region after decades of under-investment and the threat of regular weather events (climate change) is critical to the sustainability of the region. This goes beyond tourism and affects our workforce, education and health facilities as well.

We are tabling the set up of an industry response panel, made up of local businesses and key stakeholders, to advocate the need for an immediate and enduring response.

We appreciate your patience at this trying time. Thanks again for your responses and feedback. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we’ll be in touch.

hadley@thecoromandel.com 021 227 4387

megan@thecoromandel.com 021 2274351

cara@thecoromandel.com 022 199 7690

Ngā mihi nui

The team at Destination Hauraki Coromandel