[ad_1]
According to a new study, the inhabitants of Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua contribute between $ 30 and $ 50 million per year to the local economy.
Between 2.5% and 5% of the total expenditure of the district by the visitors and about three quarters of this visitor pass by those who come to Rotorua specifically to climb in the forest of Whakarewarewa.
This expense contributes about 200 to 350 FTE jobs, which equates to between $ 10 and $ 20 million in revenue. 19659004] The results are included in a study of economic impact undertaken to estimate the contribution of forest trails to the Rotorua economy.
She only captures the value of the rides in the Whakarewarewa forest and not the total value of the mountain bike in the district. "
The study estimates at about 230,000 the number of rides (per visitors and inhabitants) in the forest per year, according to data collected from four access points. Due to the multiple access points to the Rotorua forest trail system, it is impossible to know the actual total number of trips, so the estimates are conservative.
Visitors passing through the forest spend to buy food and drinks. The study excludes major events and does not consider the impact of other recreational uses (eg, walkers and runners using forest trails) or social activities. , health or cultural well-being of the benefits of the forest. The study also does not take into account the value of the Rotorua Trails Trust which manages volunteer efforts to maintain the trail network for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.
"The overall benefits and economic contribution of mountain biking and / or the forest," says Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson, who leads the Council's economic development portfolio, continued to grow in popularity as a only central to the local way of life, but also a key contributor to our visitor economy.
"The study of economic impact gives us a basis for the assessment of future impact and guide decisions. recreational use of the Whakarewarewa forest by all user groups.
"The potential of more business opportunities is a key objective of the new co-go Cr Donaldson
The study estimates cover the period from March 1, 2017 as of February 28, 2018. [19659004] The evaluation used four-point counters to access forests and interviewed the mountain bikers on their spending, then used multipliers to estimate the economic impact of The users surveyed included riders of all ages and abilities and included families, locals and visitors from New Zealand and overseas.
The report was presented to the members elected today. [Thursday 10 July 2018] at the meeting of the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee will be used to support a request for government funding for proposed forest management.
Proposed forest management , which are included in in the long-term plan 2018-28 of the Council, would lead to improvements to the Long Mile Road, to the site the construction of a new recreation center at another entrance to the Whakarewarewa Forest, along Tarawera Road (between Okareka Loop Road and Tikitapu Lake)
The Board is preparing detailed business cases for forest improvements and the development of Lake Rotorua. applications for funding from the Provincial Government Growth Fund (PGF). The Board received $ 811,000 from the fund to prepare business cases
See the full economic impact study at THIS LINK on the Council's website.
Source link
