The History of Tourism Development In Rotorua

1. Mass Tourism Development Phase

1.1. 1950s - First motels built (leading to concentrated development on Fenton St)

1.2. 1954 - Department of Tourism and Health resorts is renamed to: Tourist Publicity Department

1.3. 1962 - Introduction of jet aircraft leading to major tourism growth

1.4. 1963 - Maori Arts and Craft institute opened, Beginning of overseas campaign for Maori Tourism

1.5. 1964 - Airport opened nearby

1.6. 1967 - Rainbow Springs developed as a major attraction

1.7. 1971 - Growth of man made attractions

2. Small Companies emerge after establishment of larger ones

2.1. 1980's - small adventure companies established

2.2. 1985 - Skyline Skyrise Opens

2.3. 1988 - Boom period of international arrivals

3. Council Involvement

3.1. 1990's - Redevlopment of city centre, lake front, information centre and convention centre and establishment of backpacker accomodation

3.2. 1990 - Tourist and Publicity Department is renamed: NZ Tourism Board and Eco Tourism Developments

3.2.1. Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter created (Tourism Rotorua Initiative)

3.3. Late 1990's - Concentration of adventure market products near Agrodome

3.4. 1999 - NZ Tourism Board is renamed: Tourism New Zealand, First Global Campaign (100% Pure NZ) and growth of domestic market (events being created for economic development)

4. Tourism Based on Target Markets

4.1. 2001 - Spa Industry come back

4.2. 2003 - Clear shift from mass marketing to less visitors that spend more money

4.3. 2006 - Te Arawa Lake Settlements Act 2006 is passed

4.4. 2007 - Rotorua Energy Events Centre opens

4.5. 2008 - Government commits $72.1 million over 10 years to the Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration Plan, Rotorua airport runaway extension starts

4.6. 2009 - International flights in and out of Rotorua

4.7. 2011 - Stage 3 of Rotorua Museum Centennial Project is opened, Increase of cruise ship visitors and Mountain Bike Rotorua opens

4.8. 2012 - Rail Cruising in Mamuku Forest, Big Splash ride opened at Rainbow Springs and Rotorua canopy tours opens

4.9. 2013 - Famously Rotorua domestic tourism campaign launched, Volcanic Hills Winery opens and Pop up iSite is used at various expositions and trade shows

5. Pre-European

5.1. 1350 - Te Arawa Māori arrive in Maketu, Ihenga explores Rotorua area

5.2. 1830s - Traders and missionaries begin European Settlement

6. Beginnings of Tourism

6.1. 1839 - John Bidwill (first tourist) describes natural wonders of the region

6.2. 1840 - Missionaries settle, First accomodation, food and guides are established, area known as Thermal Wonderland

7. Tourism Based on Major Attractions

7.1. 1870s - Pink and White Terraces are the main attraction

7.2. 1873 - At least 4 hotels were existing

7.3. 1882 - First Government Spa (The Pavilion Baths)

7.4. 1886 - Tarawera Eruption and Pink and White Terraces buried

8. Diversification

8.1. 1887 - A need evolves to develop new attractions resulting in a shift in the focus of Rotorua tourism

8.1.1. Thermal Baths, Trout Fishing, Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Boat Cruises

8.1.2. Rainbow Trout are Introduced into Lake Rotorua to cater for Trout Fishing

9. Building of the Infrastructure

9.1. 1894 - Railway (Auckland to Rotorua) completed, Information centre opened

9.2. 1901 - Power Station at Okere Falls begins operating, Department of Tourist and Health Resorts established and Duchess Baths Opened

9.3. 1907 - Control of township vested with Department of Tourist and Health Resorts

9.4. 1908 - Bath House Opened (Government's first major investment in Tourism Industry) and Model Pa built at Whakarewarewa.

9.5. 1914-1918 - Tourism halted due to WW1

9.6. 1929-1939 - Tourism declined due to the Great Depression

9.7. 1930's - Two new Baths built (Polynesian Spa and Blue Baths)

9.8. 1939-1946 - Tourism halted due to WW2