Media Release
Thursday 25 September 2008
For Immediate Release

Perks for Wellington’s Tourism Industry

This week, Positively Wellington Tourism welcomed aboard new CEO David Perks. His appointment signals a new chapter in Wellington’s tourism industry.

The Englishman is happy to be back in what he calls his ‘hometown in New Zealand’, and taking up the new role.

“While I might hail from Manchester, Wellington is my home in New Zealand,” says David. “It’s great to be back, supporting the local sports teams, enjoying the city’s great coffee, and getting to know the local tourism industry again.”

David moved to New Zealand with his family nearly a decade ago, and spent five years working in the Wellington hotel sector before moving to Northland. There, he played an active role in the region’s tourism development as both the General Manager at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands and chair of the Northland Tourism Development Group.

“This is a dynamic time for the tourism industry, and I’m looking forward to being part of Wellington’s development,” David says. “Positively Wellington Tourism has done a fantastic job getting Wellington on the domestic visitors’ map, so it’s about helping to build upon this strong platform.”

David brings skills in a number of tourism areas, including strategic planning, infrastructure development, convention industry development, hotel capacity growth and online marketing solutions.

“Increasing Wellington’s exposure in international visitor markets remains a priority,” says David. “Global events may create some challenges, but our relationships with offshore travel media and trade become that much more valuable.”

The conference sector also offers further growth opportunities. “Our Wellington Convention Bureau does fantastic work, securing conference business for the city. This market is hugely important, as it delivers high returns in periods that fall outside of traditional peak seasons.”

A major project for David is the Wellington Tourism Strategy, due to be launched late this year. “I’m looking forward to introducing the Strategy to the sector, and setting a unified vision and framework. The central focus is developing, managing and marketing destination Wellington in a way that creates sustainable business and environmental outcomes.”

ENDS

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