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A new training initiative to enhance the West Coast’s visitor experience and strengthen community pride will roll out across the region later this month.
The Real West – Stories, Service, Spirit programme is a four-hour, hands-on workshop for people working in visitor-facing roles. The initiative provides practical training to lift visitor care, community pride and unity within the visitor sector across the Coast.
Developed from the West Coast Destination Management Plan (DMP) and the regional Untamed Natural Wilderness identity, it weaves together local stories, cultural values and practical service know-how to enrich visitor experiences and community pride. Designed with input from mana whenua and the Department of Conservation, and informed by University of Otago research, the programme will deliver immediate benefits for both staff and operators.
DWC destination and tourism manager Andrew Aitken says the workshops will give people greater confidence to share the Coast’s unique identity.
“When visitors arrive here, their first impression often comes from the people they meet, whether it’s someone working in a café, behind a hotel desk, or even a mechanic,” says Andrew. “Real West helps our frontline teams recognise and share what makes the Coast distinctive — our wilderness, our culture and our character — and explain how those elements underpin the visitor experience.”
“By bringing values like manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga into daily service, we can align and amplify visitor experiences across the region and ensure every encounter shows the real spirit of the Coast.”
The workshops will be facilitated by Zane Smith of Vation Limited alongside members of the DWC team.
Andrew says the programme will deliver benefits well beyond tourism.
“This isn’t just about visitors, it’s about community pride too,” he says. “By equipping locals with the tools to share our stories, we’re strengthening the way we see ourselves and how we present the Coast to the world.”
The free sessions will be held in:
Franz Josef: Monday, October 20
Fox Glacier: Tuesday, October 21
Hokitika: Wednesday, October 22
Greymouth: Thursday, October 23
Westport: Tuesday, October 28
All workshops run for four hours, with catering provided. Spaces are limited and registration is essential.
Register online: www.westcoast.co.nz/businessevents
