Tourism is a success story for Hawkes Bay business.
The visitor industry continues to play its part in economic growth and business development in Hawkes Bay, contributing close to 5% GDP. As a year round destination, Hawkes Bay attracts over 1 million visitors annually. Domestic visitors account for 75% of overall visitors, while international visitors account for 25%.
The destination brand Hawkes Bay Wine Country was launched in 2000. It was designed to give a consistent and singular message about the region and encompasses Napier, Hastings, Central Hawkes Bay and Northern Hawkes Bay. It associates with the wine country theme including wine, food, lifestyle and climate.
The region is taking full advantage of the brand, actively promoting the region locally, nationally and internationally. The region’s Mediterranean-style climate, attractive landscape, internationally famous architecture, gourmet cuisine and award winning wineries all contribute to attracting domestic and international tourists.
Visitors to the region include tourists, seasonal workers, students, sporting groups and supporters, cruise passengers and business travellers.
Hawkes Bay events attract tens of thousands of visitors every year. It is an important part of the visitor strategy with the intent to continue to strengthen existing events and attract new events to the region outside the peak summer period.
In Hawkes Bay there is a strong demand for seasonal workers in the region especially in the highly productive apple industry. Seasonal work offers a great opportunity to see the country on a working holiday for New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike.
The region also offers the opportunity for potential students to stay in Hawkes Bay short to medium term while receiving quality education. Eastern Institute of Technology - EIT offers more than 90 programmes along with a number of opportunities to study English.
Hawkes Bay will host 39 cruise ships over the 2009/10 season resulting in over 71,000 passengers and crew passing through the Port of Napier. The cruise ships tend to stay for 6-8 hours allowing passengers the opportunity to explore the region, encouraging them to return at a later date for a longer length of stay.
The region boasts many top sporting facilities from large venues to recreation parks, golf courses and cycle tracks. Supported with a reputation of great weather, this encourages sporting organisers and teams to choose Hawke’s Bay for their next sporting event.
Residents in Hawkes Bay continue to play an important part of the visitor industry as they welcome friends and family to stay within their homes from all over New Zealand and the World.