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A marquee beside the Waiho River in Franz Josef became a broadcast studio on Wednesday as Development West Coast (DWC) launched a new Zoom series showcasing the region to travel sellers around the world.
The first ‘West Coast Unlocked’ session attracted participants from across New Zealand, along with Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia and India.
DWC tourism trade executive Maggi Forsyth and destination and tourism manager Andrew Aitken hosted the session from the riverside, with misty rainforest providing a backdrop despite the drizzle.
The Glacier Country session featured Ellen Pullman from Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Barry Hughes from Ōkārito Kayaks and Jo Bradford from Air Safaris.
Each shared stories and insights into their experiences, helping travel sellers build their knowledge of the region and recommend activities to clients. The session also included a DWC regional update and time for questions.
Maggi says the outdoor setting helped capture the character of Glacier Country.
“The webinar went really well, despite a drizzly day here in Franz Josef,” she says.
“Sitting beneath a marquee alongside the Waiau River, with the misty rainforest as our backdrop, created a wonderfully atmospheric setting that really captured the magic of Glacier Country.”
She says it was fantastic to have people joining from New Zealand and overseas.
“It was a great opportunity to showcase the incredible experiences our region has to offer and connect with people from all around the world who are interested in discovering the West Coast.”
West Coast Unlocked is aimed at inbound tour operators, wholesalers, travel advisors, agents and other travel sellers, giving them direct access to local operators and fresh ideas for clients’ itineraries.
