Future tourism growth needs new road

The New Zealand Transport Agency's decision not to fund Rotorua's eastern arterial route has major implications for the growth of tourism in the region, particularly on the back of news that Rotorua's Airport will be Trans Tasman from December 12.

That's the view of Rotorua Airport's Chief Executive, George White.

Mr White says there is already an urgent need for the route, and this demand stands to increase significantly with the growth in international visitors expected as a result of the Airport's change in status.

"A key factor, and selling point, for Australians to fly directly to Rotorua is that they will be able to get here in just one easy step, without spending time in traffic getting out of or around Auckland.

"Unless we have this investment in roading infrastructure now, we stand to lose that significant advantage.

"That road is already one of the heaviest traffic routes in the region, and it will only become more congested with locals and visitors in the next few years. Work needs to start soon as it is expected to reach saturation levels in just a few years.

"Rotorua's Trans Tasman status is one of the biggest single developments for the region in many years and it will make a significant contribution to the local economy.

"However, in order to achieve that growth, we need to have the infrastructure to support it," says Mr White.

Air New Zealand will fly Trans Tasman flights to and from Sydney to Rotorua Airport from December 12.