Evaluate Marketing Opportunities for New Zealand Tourism

Introduction

Analysing marketing opportunities is importance in the marketing planning process. It is to analyse the long-run opportunities in the market so as to improve the business unit’s performance.

This assignment is to evaluate marketing opportunities of Abel Tasman National Park Experiences (ATE) that has a very interesting in marketing strategy to develop its credibility in tourism. Many changing of marketing system have been used in ATE and it is need to be analysed for expand our knowledge about marketing.

ATE is located in the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It features subtropical forest, spectacular stretches of coastline, sheltered bays and unspoilt golden beaches. ATE is become the dominant player in the tourism industry catering for Park visitors. It is positioned at the top end of the market and offers Park visitor’s luxury lodge accommodation, a water-taxi service and guided bushwalking and sea-kayaking tours. It has and annual turnover in excess of several million NZ dollars.

The business began by accident in 1977 after Cyclone Allison destroyed the Park’s only water-taxi and a local resident, John Wilson, found his motor launch in demand to ferry friends and acquaintances to and from the Park. He established a regular water-taxi schedule, allowing passengers to board at Kaiteriteri Beach in the Park’s southern boundary for drop-off and collection at any one of six beaches within the Park. He involved other family members in his growing business. He had the key insight that launch-cruise and water-taxi services were merely one element of a latent marketing opportunity. He also protected a concession from the Department of Conservation to operate guided bushwalking and sea-kayaking programs. This strategic expansion of the enterprise’s commercial base allowed John to realise both these aims.

Early 1990s John Wilson stepped back and ATE’s general management role was taken over by his eldest son, Darryl. This was a good time to develop a clear strategic direction for what was now a mature enterprise in a fast-evolving and increasingly competitive market.

Thus, this assignment is to evaluate the marketing opportunities after Darryl Wilson take a management role for ATE. We can see there are so many changes since he took this role of management that is acknowledge us in marketing subject that can be useful in the future. ATE’s marketing strategy challenge involves giving direction to two different core businesses; guided walking, kayaking and accommodation services. These comprise the heart of the business and are the easiest to manage from a strategic marketing perspective.

1. Marketing Opportunities for Wilson’s Abel Tasman National Park Experiences (ATE)

1.1. New Zealand Tourist Market Analysis

• In the year ended March 2005, NZ tourist