TOURISM CATLINS
Tourism Catlins is a community trust which was formed in July 2004 with Trustees elected from both the Southland and Clutha District Council areas of the Catlins. The aim of the Trust is to provide a consistent and sustainable approach to both the promotion and development of the region while enhancing the economic, social, and physical well-being of the residents of The Catlins.
The formation of the Trust was recommended by the Catlins Tourism Strategy which was produced by the Tourism Department of Otago University in 2004. The Strategy was paid for by Venture Southland, Clutha District Council and Ministry of Social Development and approved by the people of the Catlins in July 2004 after extensive public consultation.
The Trust members have worked well since its inception and as experience has been gained, the vision has widened in line with the growth in the number of visitors to the area.
In recent times, Tourism Catlins has been successful in securing funding towards the employment of a Project Co-ordinator. The Project Co-ordinator has been working with the elected Catlins Tourism Trust and local community to implement recommendations and initiatives of the Catlins Tourism Strategy.
Initiatives include:
- investigating the provision of good facilities for waste and rubbish disposal
- provision of quality information for visitors regarding facilities and environmental care including the development of the Catlins Care Code
- working with the councils and community in developing policies on such issues as freedom camping and camping bylaws
- provision of co-ordinated signage and effective marketing of the Catlins, including the development of a ‘Catlins’ logo and brand in 2007 and the development of the Catlins Interpretation Plan in 2008
- creating awareness of the Trust with various community groups local businesses and schools.
Venture Southland will continue to support and work alongside this Trust to achieve their objectives for the benefit of the local community.