Hurunui’s role as a key destination has gained further recognition with Hurunui Tourism being approved as a regional tourism organisation, on the same footing as such industry peers as Christchurch NZ and Destination Kaikoura.

Hurunui Tourism was previously a district tourism organisation. Its manager – sales and marketing, Shane Adcock, says the decision by the board of Regional Tourism New Zealand to approve the application by Hurunui Tourism to become a regional tourism organisation, or RTO, will open new doors.

“This recognises Hurunui as a key destination and a valuable contributor to the South Island’s tourism economy. It will enable us to better collaborate with our industry peers, including Christchurch NZ and Destination Kaikoura, and we’ll be alongside them at more key trade events. It will also strengthen our ability to push into international markets,” Adcock says.

RTNZ’s executive officer, Charlie Ives, says the organisation is pleased to welcome Hurunui Tourism as the country’s 31st RTO.

“Hurunui and Hanmer Springs have lots of attributes – from thermal pools and wineries to jet boating and bungy jumping. This complements the offering of other Canterbury RTOs and will enable them to work together to help market the region as a whole.”

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Regional Tourism Estimates show the value of tourism in the district is $157 million (for the year ending April 2019).

“Tourism is a significant contributor to the Hurunui economy, and we want to do all we can to grow the sector in our region. We’re confident the move to becoming an RTO will help us welcome more visitors to our wonderful part of New Zealand,” says Shane Adcock.