Tim BurgessTim BurgessGeneral Manager, Tourism Bay of PlentyGeneral Manager, Tourism Bay of Plenty

New Zealand Applied Business Conference

Tourism

• Employs 1 in 10 people• New Zealand’s largest export earner, $6.5

billion per annum• Generates $372 million per annum to local

economy• 2.37 million international visitors

Source: www.tourismresearch.govt.nz

The role of an RTO

• 25 RTOs throughout the country• Marketing domestically and internationally• Includes destination management role

(SmartTourism)• Funded by local government

Opportunities

• Relationship building• Research • Live assignment• Staff development

Relationships

• Relationships that benefit all parties• Career opportunities• Building on success • Wider skills to draw on, e.g.

translation

Research

• Visitor Satisfaction survey• Airport users survey

Visitor Satisfaction Survey

• Planning – questionnaire through to report • Agencies involved - Key Research, RTO,

BOPP, Braincell Creative, i-SITEs and industry

• Resources from all parties - time, videos, jackets

• Outcomes – credible data, practical experience and confidence for future

Airport Survey

• Two weeks at Tauranga airport with 6am starts - dedication

• Questionnaire development between airport, RTO and BOPP

• Useful data to assist business decisions, clear trends established

Staff Development

• Former student in marketing/admin• Commercial manager former student

now studying degree papers• Provides inspiration to existing staff

Conclusion

• Win-win situation• Raises profile and credibility for both

parties• Planning is integral, as is confidence

in each other• Useful, tangible outputs