Mayor calls for regional tourism organisations to work as one to promote

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is calling on all the tourism
organisations in the South Island to work together to promote the
region.

"The truth is that we live in the best country in the world: the South
Island of New Zealand," says Mr Parker.

"There's no doubt we're in economically challenging times, but we must
also look at this as a unique time of opportunity. Spending patterns
will change, and we need to move to ensure we are in a position to make
the most of that. Tourism represents a major opportunity for this
island, and I believe we have only scratched the surface of its
potential. As Lord Rutherford said "we don't have much money so we have
to think"."

Mr Parker says Prime Minister John Key indicated while in Christchurch
yesterday that if the South Island's tourism promotion organisations
were acting in a more cohesive way then Central Government may be more
open to helping with additional funding.

"I believe we should rise to that challenge and recognise that in a time
of economic constraint we need to think as one island, act as one
island, and promote the South Island as the complete tourism
destination."

"At this time it is really important not to drop the ball. It's also a
time for us to focus on promoting the South Island as a destination as a
whole. I think we should look at developing a South Island strategy,
which can allow us to make the most out of the money spent on promoting
our regions. Our real strength can come from working together, not all
pulling in different directions."

"The South Island has so many incredible aspects which tourists are
looking for, and love when they get here. I'm sure all of the regional
tourism organisations do a wonderful job for their regions, but why not
also work together to let tourists know that the South Island has more
than just a few unique offerings. In fact there are a dramatic range of
attractions and we can offer the whole package right here in our amazing
South Island."