Taranaki tunes into tourism

Press, 13 January 1987, Page 12

Taranaki tunes into tourism

By

TONY ORMAN

It’s bright and new, just six months old, but it’s moving with a real sense of purpose and enthusiasm. Taranaki has a Tourism Council that is determined to make people aware of the region. Elaine Gill, Executive Officer for Tourism Taranaki, says the Taranaki region has so much visitors whether it be for a conference or a holiday. “I think you see a lot of New Zealand within Taranaki. You can relax or you can do. things such as outdoor adventure,” Elaine Gill says with a firm conviction. Z i She tells you it is a misconception Taranaki is out on a limb off the main trunk route between Wellington arid Auckland. “It takes only an hour or two extra to travel from Auckland to Wellington via Taranaki than down the centre of the North Island and it’s so much more interesting.” Elaine Gill is convinced that Taranaki has a Viable future in the tourism field and in the conventions and conferences market. “New Plymouth is a great convention city. It’s position is so central, there’s a good airport, excellent convention facilities and it’s a fascinating area to give the best atmosphere,” Tourism Taranaki is run by ten directors. Five are appointees from the local bodies while the other five are elected each year from interested tourism operators. The support from Taranaki people has been strong. Tony Onnan is a journalist with the Tourist and Publicity Department, Wellington.