If you have ever… • Shown someone our region • Sent a regional postcard overseas • Given directions to a wayward tourist • Talked up the region to anyone who would listen • Attracted and hosted an event in the region • Shared a picture of fabulous Taranaki on social media • Built a new business here
• Put brochures in your guest room or marae
• Invited people to stay
• Accommodated, fed, watered or entertained a visitor
• Represented Taranaki on the national stage
• Proudly told people about ‘your’ maunga Taranaki • Put a regional tattoo/badge/ sticker/poster somewhere prominent
Be the #1 Host in the World’s #2 Region This Summer
• Flown a Taranaki flag
• Been in the media talking about the region (thanks Jim, Toni, Beauden, Paige, Melanie et al)
HOST TIP #1 – KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE In order to ensure you host your guests without a hitch – or a tantrum – get to know your audience. If Nana Jean gets seriously hangry stop for a great coffee or some tasty snacks from one of our seriously cool cafés to curb her hunger pangs. If your 5-year old nephew has the shortest attention span known to mankind, challenge him to find all the ‘big things’ in the region: Patea’s canoe, Hawera’s giant cow, Eltham’s huge cheese, Inglewood’s Fun Ho! fire engine, Oakura’s surfboard, Opunake’s chainsaw or Manaia’s massive loaf of bread. If your teenage niece only has eyes for her mobile phone, tell her she needs to capture 10 spectacular photos and post them to her Instagram account with the hashtags #taranaki #bestintravel. You get the gist…
• Been an advocate for everything and anything related to Taranaki • Shared Taranaki stories with friends and family overseas…
HOST TIP #2 – BE ORGANISED Hosting friends and family takes a bit of organisation. Check our What’s On calendar at www.visit.taranaki.info to see what’s coming up and get your tickets. There’s something for all the family; from petrol-head Uncle Trev (Americarna, Jetsprints, Nitro Circus), to arts loving cousin Sophie (theatre shows, gigs, exhibitions) or sportsmad nephew Tane (Phoenix football, cycle challenge, ITU triathlon). Being prepared for what’s coming up will help you enjoy all the epic events on offer.
HOST TIP #3 – TELL A STORY Any good guide knows the key to a memorable experience is to tell a great story. Do your homework: stop by the local iSITE and pick up some of our regional guidebooks and other brochures, browse our website and Facebook pages and discover some great local stories, or hit the road and go exploring before your guests arrive to get real local knowledge. And when you’re playing tour guide, capture the action and share it with the world on social media with the hashtags #taranaki #bestintravel.
Thank you!
Memories last a lifetime, so make sure your guests go home with an awesome reminder of our region. Start with a family photo at Te Rewa Rewa Bridge or in front of the Water Tower or Glockenspiel. Grab the obligatory selfie in front of the Len Lye Centre, video your hike across the Pouakai Crossing, or riding the best wave at Stent Rd. Don’t let them leave without buying a book about Len Lye or Pukekura Park, a piece of artwork, a new surfboard, or even a holiday home that will ensure they come back often!
An initiative of New Plymouth District Council
Photo: Jeremy Beckers
Taranaki has been judged the #2 region in the WORLD to visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet. It’s an accolade that we can all be very proud of. Pat yourselves on the back Taranaki and continue being the amazing advocates that you are! Keep on doing all of the above! We are VERY proud to work for you, promoting the region like no other, to the world.
For immediate inspiration, download our fun origami tour guide planner and visit our website (www.visit.taranaki.info) for plenty of great ideas and useful information to help you host your visiting family and friends. Don’t forget to show off your own backyard on social media and use the hashtags #taranaki and #bestintravel
SHARE OUR REGION’S ACCOLADE FAR AND WIDE! TaranakiNZ
Taranaki_NZ
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visit.taranaki.info
Photos: Rob Tucker, Michael Flynn & Patrick Reynolds
HOST TIP #4 – MAKE IT MEMORABLE