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From the March 26 media release of the proposed funding cuts to Hamilton and Waikato Tourism, and similar funding cuts to five other HWT supported Waikato councils, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism (HWT) chief executive Nicola Greenwell has shared what impact the reduction of financial support to its tourism sector could have and its future viability of tourism initiatives in the region.
“We knew this year would be challenging with our six funding councils looking at their Long Term Plans (LTP) for the 2025-2035 period with all areas of the budget coming under close scrutiny, including funding allocated to HWT’s Service Level Agreement. We understand Hamilton, like other councils, have tough decisions to make.” says Nicola.
The proposed cuts have caused apprehension within HWT, but Nicola emphasises the organization’s commitment to keep advocating for its funding during the consultation process.
“As an organisation, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned with our attempt to mitigate any reductions to our funding through LTP decisions. We are working hard to ensure tourism is well represented through the consultation process; with the aim to have this decision reviewed, and ultimately reversed.” she says.
However, the concerns about the potential impact remains and Nicola says “The proposed cuts have the potential to make the organisation’s work untenable. If funding is confirmed at the indicated levels, we will need to consider what work we continue with, and identifying areas we can no longer deliver.”
From the same media release, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism chair, Richard Leggat echoed this concern and emphasised the historical significance of sustained investment in regional tourism.
“The compounded investment to date in the regional tourism organisation from our council partners has enabled and assisted with great results, however historical national and international data shows without a regional tourism organisation the region could face detrimental consequences.” he says.
Drawing attention to the distinct contrast in tourism outcomes between periods of regional tourism organization presence and absence in the Waikato region, Richard says “We know from past experience having no regional tourism organisation for Waikato is disastrous,”
“The Waikato’s previous regional tourism organisation was closed in 2006 and whether you look at visitor numbers, spend, bed nights, employment or GDP, you can see a clear decline in tourism in our region between 2006 and when our regional tourism organisation was re-established in 2011, and the growth trajectories began to return.”
With public consultation on Hamilton City Council’s Long-Term Plan still open until April 21, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism is encouraging everyone who benefits from the visitor sector to share their thoughts on the Plan through Hamilton City Council’s website.
“Now is the time for people to stand up for tourism, events and hospitality sectors and the multitude of flow on benefits they provide to Waikato communities. We will continue fighting hard for our sector – there’s too much at risk not to.” says Richard
