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Taupō Tourism Summit - "Tātou tātou"

A one-day conference exploring the wider tourism landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand and highlighting the importance of regional collaboration within the visitor economy.

This programme brings together national leaders, industry experts, and regional voices to share insights, strategies, and practical ideas shaping the future of tourism in Taupō.

Intro

 

The Tourism Summit brings together senior leaders across tourism, hospitality, aviation, and the wider visitor economy to share strategic insights, emerging opportunities, and practical approaches to strengthening Taupō’s regional tourism performance.

Our speakers will explore the key forces shaping the sector, including OTA distribution, AI and digital transformation, social media and destination storytelling, sustainability, industry recognition, and emerging markets, highlighting opportunities for sustainable regional growth and so on.

“Tātou Tātou” Programme

Great Lake Taupō Tourism Summit

8:00 – 8:45

Registration & Tea / Coffee

@ Foyer
8:45 – 9:25

Opening

@ Exhibition Hall

Mihi Whakatau — Brendan Ngawati, Backyard Tours

Welcome

  • John Funnell, Mayor of Taupō District Council
  • Minister Hon. Louise Upston (video message)
  • View Welcome Message
  • Tom Loughlin, Destination Great Lake Taupō
9:25 – 9:55

Update from Tourism New Zealand

Sam Allen, Global Manager, Industry & Product Marketing, Tourism New Zealand

View Presentation
9:55 – 10:25

Work together to support regional New Zealand

Iain Walker, General Manager – Regional, Air New Zealand

View Presentation
10:25 – 10:45

The Gateway Effect: building routes, markets and regional growth

Michelle Noordemeer, Group General Manager – Aeronautical Growth & Marketing, Hamilton Airport

View Presentation
10:45 – 11:05

Manaakitanga in Motion

Kristy Phillips, CEO, Hospitality New Zealand

View Presentation
11:10 – 11:40

Morning Break — Regional Food Showcase 1

@ Foyer
Concurrent Morning Sessions
11:40 – 12:10

Exhibition Hall

Session 1

Reclaiming the #1 Adventure Destination in the World (CANCELLED)

Eve Lawrence, Stray

View Presentation

Theatre

Session 2

Looking Five Years Ahead: How to Win the Chinese Inbound Market Without Breaking the Bank

Chang Chen, Yoreka

View Presentation

Rimu Rooms

Session 3

What started out as the right thing to do has turned into a competitive advantage

Paul Button, RCT Group

View Presentation
12:15 – 12:45

Exhibition Hall

Session 1

Reclaiming the #1 Adventure Destination in the World (CANCELLED)

Eve Lawrence, Stray

View Presentation

Theatre

Session 2

Looking Five Years Ahead: How to Win the Chinese Inbound Market Without Breaking the Bank

Chang Chen, Yoreka

View Presentation

Rimu Rooms

Session 3

What started out as the right thing to do has turned into a competitive advantage

Paul Button, RCT Group

View Presentation
12:50 – 13:05

Destination Great Lake Taupō Update

Patrick Dault, General Manager, Destination Great Lake Taupō

View Presentation
13:05 – 13:55

Lunch Break — Regional Food Showcase 2

Concurrent Afternoon Sessions
13:55 – 14:35

Exhibition Hall

Session 4

Talking to the Modern Traveller

Katie McDougall & Lauren Whicker, Tripadvisor

View Presentation

Theatre

Session 5

Panel Discussion — AI for Tourism

Facilitator: Sam Allen, TNZ
Ben Blackbourn, One Picture Group
Sam Sutton, Rotorua Rafting

View Presentation

Rimu Rooms

Session 6

Social Media Best Practices for Tourism Operators & Your Story, Our Story: Building an Impactful Story

Noora Tuikkanen & Shona Cobham, Love Taupō

View Presentation
14:40 – 15:20

Exhibition Hall

Session 4

Talking to the Modern Traveller

Katie McDougall & Lauren Whicker, Tripadvisor

View Presentation

Theatre

Session 5

Panel Discussion — AI for Tourism

Facilitator: Sam Allen, TNZ
Ben Blackbourn, One Picture Group
Sam Sutton, Rotorua Rafting

View Presentation

Rimu Rooms

Session 6

Social Media Best Practices for Tourism Operators & Your Story, Our Story: Building an Impactful Story

Noora Tuikkanen & Shona Cobham, Love Taupō

View Presentation
15:25 – 15:35

Closing Remarks

@ Exhibition Hall

Patrick Dault, General Manager, Destination Great Lake Taupō

Meet the speakers for Taupō Tourism Summit.

Grab the last few spots available!

  1. Home
  2. See & do
  3. Featured event
  4. Hui a Tapoi
  5. Taupō Tourism Summit - "Tātou tātou"