Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki in partnership with He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki, is excited to announce that tickets are now available for the Taranaki Tourism Summit 2025, to be held on Tuesday, 2 December at Novotel New Plymouth.

This full-day Summit will bring together national and international thought leaders, iwi and hapū representatives, tourism operators, central and local government, researchers, and community partners to envision a future where tourism benefits people, place, and the economy.

Taranaki’s visitor sector is showing strong momentum. Recent data reveals a 215% growth in international guest nights compared to the same period in 2022, the most substantial proportional increase across all regions in Aotearoa. Meanwhile, total regional tourism expenditure continues to rise, reaching $491 million in 2023, with a 5.9% year-to-date increase in visitor spend in 2024, ranking Taranaki among the top-performing regions nationwide.

These trends highlight the opportunity for Taranaki to move from relative organic growth to intentional excellence, leveraging new visitor assets, regenerative models, and iwi-led innovation.

“Now more than ever, Taranaki has the potential to lead as a region where tourism and community thrive together,” says Brylee Flutey, General Manager Destination at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki.

“With emerging assets such as the Taranaki Crossing, Te Whare Hononga, Ngā Rere, and the North Taranaki Visitor Centre, we can design a visitor future that is authentic, sustainable, and intentional, but we need collective will and collaboration to realise it.”

Flutey says tourism represents one of the most significant opportunities for the region’s next chapter.

“Tourism is a catalyst for regional pride, investment, and innovation. It helps us tell our stories, support local businesses, and strengthen our connection to the environment and to one another. The Summit is about unlocking that potential, ensuring Taranaki continues to stand out as a region that does tourism differently, and that we as a region are challenging ourselves to think big, bold, and beyond any preconceived ideas we may hold surround what tourism means for our region.”

The Summit has received strong sponsorship support from local organisations committed to growing the region’s visitor economy, including Tawa Group, a family-owned tourism accommodation business behind Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park in New Plymouth.

Peter Crawford, General Manager of Tawa Group, says the company is proud to back an event that celebrates and strengthens the regional sector.

“We started our tourism journey in 2014 with a focus on accommodation and have since grown a family business that will employ over 100 people during the upcoming high season. Our properties include Qualmark Gold-rated holiday parks, and our business plan is adapted from the Tourism Industry Aotearoa sustainability commitment. We’re proud to contribute to communities across New Zealand and build from our home base here in Taranaki. Supporting the Summit reflects our belief in the future of tourism in the region.”

Confirmed speakers include Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana (TRC Tourism), Jolanda Cave (Ngāi Tahu Tourism), Gabby Lawton (ZEALANDIA), and Marijke Dunselman (Agritourism NZ), alongside International Keynote Tara Howell (Blue Derby Pods Ride) who is based in Derby, Tasmania. These national and international experts will share insights on Indigenous tourism, regenerative models, rural diversification, and tourism innovation across Aotearoa and beyond.

Attendees will explore how to harness tourism’s power across three critical focus areas: Cultural Tourism (iwi/hapū-led experiences, storytelling, tikanga, and tiaki), Agri-Tourism (on-farm and whenua experiences and the power of diversification), and Regenerative Tourism (restoration, biodiversity, and visitor stewardship).

Tickets are limited and expected to sell quickly. Head to Eventbrite to secure your place and help define the future of tourism in Taranaki.