Kristin Dunne Tourism Bay of Plenty

What do Machu Picchu, Venice and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing all have in common?

They are all popular tourist destinations that are under pressure from the exponential growth of visitors each year.

Historical sites and places of natural beauty worldwide are being threatened by an increasingly mobile tourist industry.

Here in New Zealand, a lack of accommodation, congested walking tracks and overloaded sewerage systems are all becoming common themes.

So what can we do to make sure our beloved Bay of Plenty doesn't become another tourism statistic?

We currently have a billion-dollar tourism economy, and we know that it will continue to grow.

By 2028, tourism is projected to be one of the largest economic contributors to the region, however it would be reckless to allow this growth unsupported.

Taking a ‘crisis management' approach to tourism is not good enough.

We must show strong leadership, make insight-led decisions and have a clear development plan to ensure our region does not become burdened by tourism to the point where we, as locals, don't continue to love where we live.

That is why Tourism Bay of Plenty is seeking additional funding from Tauranga City Council to enable us to take a determined ‘destination management' route – coordinating all the elements that make up the region, including attractions, amenities and access, while creating sustainable growth of the tourism sector to the benefit of the local community.

To show your support for our Long Term Plan request, please make a submission by April 16 at: www.goodquestion.nz

For more information on our Visitor Economy Strategy, email: admin@bayofplentynz.com