Travel Writers see Rotorua as a prime international tourist destination

When the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) make comments about Rotorua tourism operators being among the best they've ever come across – it's a huge compliment as they've travelled all around the world. After embarking on one of six different familiarisation choices around the city last Friday, the ASTW delegates were all beaming from ear to ear. Former president and life member of the ASTW Mike Smith said he wished he had arrived two days earlier to experience all the attractions and experiences. "Once you get used to the scent of sulphur you soon understand how important Rotorua is as a prime international tourist destination. It has much more to offer than at first meets the eye." Starr PR director Luke Starr said he had a fantastic day after his Thrill Me famil which included River Rats white water rafting, the Kawarau Jet, Agroventures, the OGO and the Zorb. "Everything was really professional, the operators love what they do and that really came across with their enthusiasm. "It was one of the best days ever – it was really well done." From the moment the ASTW arrived they were immersed in Rotorua's culture with Thursday night dinners at Tamaki Maori Village and at Skyline Rotorua. The Friday night welcome function at Te Puia featured a powerful powhiri which was appreciated by the writers who also relished the opportunity to mix and mingle above the glow of the Pohutu Geyser. ASTW president Bev Malzard said she is thankful to Destination Rotorua Marketing and Tourism New Zealand for organising everything in such a professional way with everyone raving about the famils and stunned by the beautiful welcome function and awards night. "The hospitality at the Holiday Inn where we had our conference was also fantastic." The Blue Baths hosted the ASTW awards on Saturday night with a preview of their new summer show EMERGE which features performances from a selection of a group of 20 up and coming young New Zealanders intent on a career in the performing arts industry. The ASTW Travel Writer of the Year was awarded to Daniel Scott. Mike Smith said the presentations were excellent and so too the entertainment at the awards. "What a great location! And what a great night! It couldn't have been organised any better – and I have been to a few awards nights over the years. "Congratulations on a job well done," he said.