"One Year to Go", the launch of a Rugby World Cup strategy, was held on Wednesday night by the Waitaki Rugby World Cup sub-committee.
The sub-committee is co-ordinating the activities.
The strategy includes more than 40 activities around the key groups - international visitors, domestic visitors, local business community, Waitaki district community, rugby clubs and schools.
Tourism Waitaki general manager Annabel Gudsell said key objectives were to ensure the local community maximised opportunities, welcomed visiting nations and took part in the Golden Oldies world rugby tournament, which would be held from September 30 to October 2 next year in Oamaru.
It was planned to leave the district a legacy for tourism for years to come, Ms Gudsell said.
The local community was also involved in the launch. More than 40 volunteers got together to spell out "One Year to Go" down at the harbour on bicycles and penny-farthings.
"Already we are seeing the community engaging in the festival and wanting to be involved," Ms Gudsell said.
North Otago Rugby Union chief executive officer Colin Jackson provided an update of the Golden Oldies world rugby tournament.
The tournament would be held from September 30 to October 2 in Oamaru next year.
More than 40 teams from all over the world were expected to participate, and this would provide an opportunity for local businesses and the community to get involved.
A rock concert and dinner for about 700 people were also planned.
At the launch, it was hoped the Oamaru ISITE could be the main point of contact for visitor information during the period.
Another key aspect, for the business community, was dressing up the town by having themed window displays.
It was hoped businesses could have consistent and extended opening times, particularly during the Golden Oldies world rugby tournament weekend.
Most importantly, the sub-committee planned to market the town's plans to domestic visitors, particularly in the greater Otago, Southland and Canterbury regions.
"This is our opportunity to showcase the variety of attractions and activities the district has to offer, from our award-winning restaurants, penguin colony, harbour and precinct area, to the beautiful Waitaki Valley and coastline," Ms Gudsell said.
The strategy will be available to the public online in the next two weeks.
