Tourism promoter overhaul

Stephen Pahl
Stephen Pahl
Destination Queenstown (DQ) will undergo an overhaul of its rules after Queenstown Chamber of Commerce alleged at its annual general meeting in Arrowtown last night that the tourism organisation was inefficient and outdated.

The chamber's motion "that the incoming board undertake a review of the constitution of DQ to consider whether the rules of the society are an impediment to the effective running of the organisation and its ability to respond quickly to market conditions" was carried by DQ members at the meeting.

The board was given a deadline to report back to members by February 28, 2010.

Three board members were appointed at the meeting, including former chief executive David Kennedy, representing the major corporate sector.

He said the review of DQ's rules was "slightly overdue", but did not think the current rules impeded running the organisation.

Outgoing chief executive Stephen Pahl apologised to members for leaving the role after eight months.

He recommended the resort's organisations including DQ, Lakes Leisure, Chamber of Commerce and Queenstown District Council get together to develop a framework or 10-year plan for Queenstown.

Interim board chairwoman Erna Spijkerbosch, of Queenstown Holiday Park, said a strategic review of the organisation was in the final stages.

The organisation had recorded a surplus of $179,267 and total funds of $237,991 for the year ended June 30.

In the previous financial year, it had a deficit of $47,973 and total funds of $58,725.

The commercial levy raised from members was $2.9 million, up from $1.8 million in the year to June 30, 2008.

The board members are now Lynne McVicar, of Hotel St Moritz, and Erna Spijkerbosch (accommodation), Stephen McLean, of Rilean Construction, and Mr Kennedy (major corporate), Mark Simpson (non-corporate), Russell Gray (retail/service/professional), Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field and Mayor Clive Geddes.

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