Rotorua set to inspire Australian Travel Writers

<p>Rotorua is looking to inspire and captivate the hearts and souls of more than 70 Australian Travel Writers this week by showcasing many unique experiences the city has to offer. <br /> <br /> The writers are in Rotorua for the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) Annual General Meeting and conference on 28th and 29th October. <br /> <br /> With a joint venture between Destination Rotorua Marketing (DRM) and Tourism New Zealand, with support from Air New Zealand, Rotorua is the first New Zealand city to host ASTW in seven years. <br /> <br /> Now in its 30th year, ASTW has more than 300 members: professional travel writers, photographers and broadcasters and those involved in public relations within the travel industry. <br /> <br /> DRM conference and incentive manager Denise Siviter says Australia is Rotorua&#39;s largest inbound market and the conference is an opportunity to achieve considerable leverage. <br /> <br /> &quot;Hosting the event is guaranteed to increase Rotorua&#39;s profile as a destination where Australians can have unique experiences without having to travel too far &ndash; especially with direct flights from Sydney to Rotorua International Airport,&quot; she says. <br /> <br /> The Society&#39;s 2009 conference in Thailand resulted in more than 50 travel articles published and ASTW president Bev Malzard says she is excited to participate in a diverse range of familiarisations and to support New Zealand, with the Society doing its best to drive tourists to the country. <br /> <br /> Tomorrow [28 October] the writers will experience what the city has to offer choosing one of six different familiarisation options; family and leisure; family and adventure; soft adventure, action and adventure; nature and relax; eco-tourism and sustainability. <br /> <br /> The writers will also feel the awe of the spine tingling challenge of Maori Warriors with a traditional powhiri at Te Puia for the welcome function, followed by the chance to explore the heart of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve under the stars with the Pohutu geyser as a spectacular backdrop. <br /> <br /> The ASTW Awards Gala Night is being held at the famous Spanish Mission Style Blue Baths set in the tranquil beauty of Government Gardens. <br /> <br /> Rotorua District Council group manager economic and regulatory services Mark Rawson says Rotorua has a 21% market share of Australian arrivals to New Zealand with around 235,000 visiting a year. He hopes that number will grow as a result of coverage from the ASTW conference. <br /> <br /> &quot;There will be a positive impact with an increased presence in magazine and newspaper articles, broadcast media and more instant mediums such as blogs, Twitter and Facebook inspiring Australians to visit Rotorua.&quot;</p>