15 April 2019
Following the reopening of the Waiho Bridge, Development West Coast (DWC) Trustees have allocated a budget of $41,000
for a targeted marketing campaign starting today to ensure visitor numbers get back to their usual thriving levels.
The West Coast has been one of the fastest growing tourism regions in New Zealand with visitors injecting over half a
billion dollars directly into the economy each year. Tourism is critical to the West Coast economy, and any major
disruptions to visitor numbers will have a significant economic impact on the wider region.
“The loss of the Waiho Bridge seriously impacted businesses right along the Coast, not only those in Fox and Franz
townships. Thankfully a new bridge has been built in just 18 days,” says DWC chief executive Chris Mackenzie.
“We are incredibly grateful to the New Zealand Transport Agency, local contractors and members of the Army’s 2nd
Engineer Regiment for their tireless work building a new bridge in such a short time, reopening this key touring route.”
DWC’s Regional Tourism Manager Jim Little is overseeing an extensive marketing campaign to get visitors back during the
crucial Easter holiday period.
“We need to get the word out that the Waiho Bridge is open, and our Untamed Natural Wilderness is open for business,”
says Mr Little.
“Through extensive use of press and radio coupled with social media we will be targeting key markets to ensure visitor
numbers are strong during this important holiday period.”
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