New Zealand convention centres

Welcome to the lastest newsletter from the Nelson Convention Bureau. New Zealand convention centres, conference facilities and general information for the Nelson region. Local resources and New Zealand convention centres for Nelson meeting venue facilities including exceptional quality accommodation with a huge range of pre and post conference activities and conference partner programmes.

The latest news on conference planning and management to audio visual professionals and other technical equipment services.

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- NZ tourism business plans and activities

nelson convention bureau •
news from nelson

February 2009

Summer Issue

Another long weekend …come on now, who's really complaining? One last indulgent opportunity to ease back into that jandal-clad holiday mode. Being new to the Nelson Tasman region, I am certainly relishing every opportunity to get out and soak up all the region has to offer – fresh seafood, stunning aromatic wines, the local artists, national parks in every direction. What's more, I can't wait to share it with you all.

A new face for Nelson Convention Bureau

For those that I haven't had a chance to meet yet, I'd like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Nicki van Asch, I've recently joined the team at Nelson Tasman Tourism and will be your new contact for all conferencing inquires. Coming from a conference and events background myself, I hope I will be able to offer some empathy to the current climate that you are operating in out there. Most recently I have been working in Wellington with the Tourism Industry Association team, organising various industry events including TRENZ and the Tourism Industry Awards, prior to this I spent time working in a PCO capacity and on behalf of venues in New Zealand and abroad.

Nelson comes to town

For those of you based in Auckland, Nelson is soon coming to see you in your own backyard. The Nelson Convention Bureau and partners would like to invite conference organisers to join us at the Heritage Hotel on 13 May 2009 for an evening of Nelson Tasman hospitality.

Venues, services and activities will be on hand to discuss your conference queries in a relaxed, informal environment. To register your interest, please email meet@NelsonNZ.com

New Cat in the Park

On Christmas Day Wilsons Abel Tasman proudly introduced their brand new, state-of-the-art Catamaran to the Abel Tasman National Park. Its cruise and dine seating configuration makes the new Catamaran a great option for evening functions or breakfast meetings with a difference. With panoramic views from the upper open deck, well appointed comfort on the lower deck and the capacity for 140 passengers, Abel Tasman Voyager is an impressive addition to the Wilsons Abel Tasman family. Visit www.abeltasman.co.nz for more information.

Put your best foot forward with Bay Tours

Bay Tours now offer a new walking tour that will give your delegates an opportunity to stretch their legs outside the conference room and get upclose and intimate with all the best bits of Nelson’s wonderfully, walkable city centre. A knowledgeable local guide will share historical tales and reveal quirky and interesting facts with your delegates along the way.

Bay Tours are happy to tailor the tour to your requirements and timeframes. Contact Roy on 03 548 6486 or info@BayToursNelson.co.nz

Enviro-Gold for Farewell Spit Eco Tours

Conference industry activity provider, Farewell Spit Eco Tours been awarded a Qualmark Enviro-Gold logos, as part of Qualmark's new Responsible Tourism Operations criteria. Although they have been operating with sustainability in mind since they started, Paddy Gilloly, manager of Farewell Spit Eco Tours said it is still satisfying to be recognised for their efforts by an independent organisation like Qualmark, "This assessment is highly valued by us, particularly in relation to vehicle emissions. Our vehicles have been measured independently by Vehicle Testing NZ and found to be of a very high standard, proving our maintenance programme is fit for the purpose".

Farewell Spit Eco Tours is also a member of the Nelson Tasman Sustainable Tourism Charter, a programme delivered by Nelson Tasman Tourism which helps tourism operators to identify simple, practical and achievable sustainable business practices.

There are a number of other operators in the Nelson Tasman region who also scored well within the Responsible Tourism Operations criteria. Their applications are in the process of being reviewed by Qualmark.

Triple Treat

Abel Tasman Sky Diving have an exhilarating new product to offer conference or incentive clients that combines the best of the Tasman region. An ultimate combo package that will have your clients kayaking, sailing and skydiving all in one action packed day, including lunch and transfers. For more information contact Lisa 0800 422 899 or lisa@skydive.co.nz

Nicki van Asch
meet@NelsonNZ.com
+ 64 3 545 6854
www.ConferencesNelsonNZ.com
www.NelsonNZ.com