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Marlborough’s tourism sector is set for a fresh round of investment, with planned upgrades at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and Furneaux Lodge expected to strengthen the region’s appeal to both leisure and business events visitors.
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Destination Marlborough have welcomed plans by the New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust to expand the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, doubling the size of its Dangerous Skies World War II exhibition.
Nadine says the project is a strong signal of confidence in Marlborough’s tourism future.
“I warmly welcome the announcement of plans to expand the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. This is a significant vote of confidence in Marlborough’s future and will further strengthen Omaka’s reputation as a world-class visitor attraction,” Nadine says.
The new build will expand Omaka’s aviation collection and immersive storytelling offering, while also creating a 3,000sqm function space for conference and event use. Once complete, the venue will be able to host up to 700 delegates, including 500 seated for dining among the displays.
Destination Marlborough general manager Tracey Green says the expansion will support the region’s growing business events market as well as its visitor offering.
“The expansion of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has a dual purpose. It provides additional space for amazing, rare aircraft and doubles as a 3,000sqm function space for conference delegates,” Tracey says.
The announcement follows Furneaux Lodge’s unveiling of plans to refurbish its main lodge building in Endeavour Inlet, as well as investment in The Alfred Hotel in Blenheim.
Tracey says the combined projects will strengthen Marlborough’s appeal to conference and incentive organisers.
“Enhanced hospitality space is hugely beneficial. Combine these new plans with the investment by Alfred Taylor Development into The Alfred Hotel in Blenheim, and we leap forward in terms of how attractive we become to the business events sector,” Tracey says.
The planned developments come after the Government announced $1.45 million last month for realignment work on the Queen Charlotte Track to improve steep and erosion-prone sections.
Destination Marlborough says the investment pipeline is expected to deliver both short and long-term benefits for the region’s visitor economy and wider community.
