Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Enters New Era
28 November 2007
New Zealand Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor presents a cheque for signage.
The Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor has granted nearly $24,000 to the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail for signage, helping take the product to a new level.
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail (CNZWT) was established in 2000, and represents over 70 percent of New Zealand’s annual wine production. It takes in Hawke's Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough, and is a touring route promoted in international markets.
The Minister handed over a cheque this afternoon, at a newly erected sign for the Trail on Oriental Parade. The tourism facilities grant cheque is a contribution to funding more than 100 signs on the CNZWT, with the remaining funding being contributed by local authorities.
Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Marketing Manager Tracy Johnston says the Ministry of Tourism grant is a vital recognition of the importance of the Trail in New Zealand’s international product offer.
“This grant is a fantastic endorsement of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, and the collaboration of the participating tourism regions. Signage is crucial to taking this product to the next level, providing official recognition for visitors traveling along the Trail.”
The signage is being rolled out throughout the Trail – the Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa regions have already received theirs, with Wellington and Marlborough still to go. The signs form part of a broader marketing re-launch of the Trail, which included the appointment of Marketing Manager Tracy Johnston earlier this year. Tracy promotes the Trail through trade shows, collateral development and hosting familiarisation visits of travel trade.
Positively Wellington Tourism has played an active role in supporting the development of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail since its inception.
“The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail affords Wellington key opportunities in the international visitor market,” says CEO Tim Cossar. “It positions Wellington as a centre of gourmet excellence, and showcases the vast array of arts, culture and nationhood experiences on offer here.”
