A draft destination management plan for the Queenstown Lakes district that outlines a pathway to regenerative tourism by 2030 has been released for community feedback.  

Lake Wānaka Tourism, Destination Queenstown, and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) partnered together to develop the 'Tourism for a Better Future' plan, working with Kāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation.   

This followed extensive community engagement including specific questions in the QLDC Quality of Life 2021 survey; eight design forums and community events held across the region; 60 one-on-one interviews; a tourism operators forum; and a community workshop delivered as part of the Wao Summit.    

Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods said creating a plan for, and by, local communities has been a clear priority from the beginning.

“The Covid-19 pandemic provided us with a unique opportunity to rethink our visitor economy, created from the values and expertise of our industry and our community across the region. 

“Adopting a clear and united vision will be vital to success – so we really encourage our community to take the time to read through our plan and continue to engage with the process.”

Successful destination management planning has the potential to deliver enormous benefits for local communities, the environment and tourism businesses, Lake Wānaka Tourism general manager Tim Barke said.

“This plan has the potential to guide the Queenstown Lakes District toward a future that everyone can be proud of, addressing today’s most significant tourism-related challenges with holistic solutions. Everyone needs to do their part and by working together we can set the foundations for success.” 

The Queenstown Lakes destination management draft is open for feedback here until August 10.

PHOTO: Wānaka App