10 Mar 2009

Visitor trend defies economic downturn

More people visited the Whakatane Information Office in 2008 than ever before, thanks to Toi-EDA’s efforts in promoting the Whakatane district.

Last year an office door count recorded 99,649 people, a three per cent increase on 2007.

The figure is particularly pleasing considering the year’s trying economic circumstances and high fuel costs.

Toi-EDA has put a lot of effort has been put into marketing the district over the last five years and it takes time to see results. Encouraging more people to visit in the winter months for a weekend away has been a focus and the May-July figures are tracking upwards.

And if Whakatane regains its rightful title as the sunshine capital of New Zealand, it will make the task of getting people to the area in the winter months much easier. The the Nga Tapuwae o Toi walkway has been particularly popular and the Beach Runner bus makes it an easy option for people who want to walk the track in stages and get a ride back to Whakatane. Information office staff say a lot more New Zealand families are visiting the area and the most often-heard comment is, “Whakatane is a beautiful town with a really nice feel to it.”

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