Major Regional Initiative

Targeting Tourism - Major Regional Initiative

The MRI projects commenced in early 2006 and will conclude in March 2010. Many of the projects have been initiated in association with very proactive community organisations, such as the Oparara Valley Trust and the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre and the outcomes will contribute towards sustainable tourism in their respective areas.

Three key projects are based around key tourism areas/destinations, the Glaciers, Punakaiki and the Haast World Heritage Area where projects have identified a range of requirements (Destination Management Plans for Punakaiki and the Glaciers and a Tourism Development Strategy for the Haast World Heritage Area) that are needed to ensure sustainable development of Tourism in the respective areas. Other projects have delivered reports which identify tourism development options in respect to specific areas and other commercial opportunities.

The MRI is based on the Region’s tourism strategy and is about implementing the strategy. The MRI consists of a series of tourism development projects throughout the West Coast region. The projects range from the development of the Oparara Walkway in the north to a Tourism Development Strategy in South Westland.

Major icon destinations, Punakaiki and the Glaciers, have multi-staged projects aimed at managing sustainable growth. The projects are designed to enhance the West Coast’s national and international competitiveness as a visitor destination.

Independent Evaluation

Please click here to view the Tourism West Coast MRI Outcomes Evaluation Report.

To view further information on individual projects, please follow the links below. Hard copies of any of the MRI reports are available to West Coast residents and businesses on request.