TOURISM OPERATORS UPDATE 2024/25

A message from Jason Ross:

Hi all,  hope everyone is looking forward to warmer weather and preparing to welcome visitors as we gear up for a great summer. With this in mind, I wanted to invite anyone who has a business, attraction, or community event that engages with visitors or tourists to a Summer Tourism Briefing. My hope is that this gathering will help us all better understand and promote what your businesses and events have to offer for our summer visitors.

As many of you know, we have numerous businesses and community events catering to tourists and visitors on the island. However, I’ve realised that I’m not fully aware of all the diverse and fantastic offerings my fellow operators have, especially what’s planned for the summer season. This lack of knowledge could lead to missed opportunities when visitors ask about activities or services they could experience on the island.

I want to change this by getting better informed so that I can proactively suggest other experiences to our visitors. By doing so, we can potentially help each other increase revenue while enriching the visitor experience.

To be clear, this isn’t about getting a “finder’s fee” or any sort of “commission arrangement” for recommending other businesses. It’s about being professionally generous and helping each other make the most of the summer season.

This initiative is purely about us being better informed about each other’s offerings. It’s not an official Local Board, Destination Management Planning, or Auckland Council-funded initiative. Rather, it’s a tactical, proactive idea born from my own insights, that I hope will benefit us all.

The Opportunity

Together, we can create a more cohesive experience for our visitors by sharing what each of us has planned for this summer. The more we know about each other’s services, the better equipped we’ll be to help our guests and recommend other experiences.

What We’re Organising

I’d love for you to join us for the Barrier Summer Briefing on MONDAY 23rd of September at 6pm. To be held at the Claris Conference Centre. Each business/service will have a chance to present a brief 3-minute update about their summer offerings, along with contact details, hours of operation, etc. After the session, all the information will be shared with everyone via email.

How will it run?

I will be your MC and timekeeper. I will have a running sheet, and will be there to guide any questions from the floor. If you wish you are most welcome to bring  a printed flyer or leaflet about your business for others to take away. It is totally up to you. Importantly, if you can’t  attend I will be happy to present your business update on your behalf. Please email me the details.

There will be a small platter provided and tea and coffee and water. Thanks to the Local Board. I am hoping that at the end of the Briefing we will have 30 minutes for people to connect and discuss opportunities.

Who Should Attend?

This briefing is aimed at anyone involved in tourism. For example:

• Massage services
• Garden centres
• Food outlets
• Transport/taxi services
• Caterers
• Retail store owners
• Cleaning and Bach rental managers
• Accommodation providers (including short-term accommodation like AirBnB hosts from off island – they are welcome to live stream)
• Nature and outdoor activity businesses

So whether you run a holistic treatment service, a kombucha brewery, an AirBnB, a sanctuary, a surf school, or an eco-tour, if you’re excited about sharing what you offer, we want to hear from you. And if you want to join via a live stream you can do so. A link will be share soon.

What You Can Expect

By the end of the briefing, I hope everyone will leave feeling more informed, ready to welcome visitors, and equipped to recommend other activities or offerings from those who presented.

What This Briefing Isn’t About

I want to clarify that this meeting isn’t a “Chamber of Commerce” event, nor is it about discussing tourism strategies, advertising, websites, or sharing opinions on the impact—positive or negative—of visitors on Aotea. It’s solely focused on understanding and showcasing what we each bring to the table for the summer season.

How do I register to attend?

It is easy. Just email to jason@islandgin.com with the details fo your business, your name and contact details.

Anything else?

Yes, keep a watch out on Barrier Chit Chat for updates and details of the live stream.mI really hope you can make it. It’ll be a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and support one another as we prepare for a fantastic summer. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me via email. I’ll notify everyone about the final details on Chit Chat.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Thanks

Jas Ross