New cycle for tourists to the Bay

by Graham Skellern | 10th March 2010

IT'S EASY to be reminded about the worth of tourism - the total spend in the country is more than $20 billion a year and the industry contributes nearly 10 per cent of the national economy, as well as providing 185,000 full-time jobs.

In the Western Bay alone, the industry contributes more than $500 million a year. Tourism is a major economic driver, and Tim Burgess is keen to ensure the local region becomes a more recognisable visitor destination.

As the general manager for Tourism Bay of Plenty, Mr Burgess is finding ways to drive more visitors, and therefore, more money into the region - and one impact is creating more jobs.

"We need to build a sustainable visitor experience," said Mr Burgess, who moved from Auckland four years ago to run the regional tourism organisation that covers coastal Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach to Whakatane.

Read more in today's Bay of Plenty Times