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Industry Section

This part of waikatonz.com is designed to keep our local tourism industry up-to-date with the latest news, industry events and sector activities happening in the Waikato region.

Beyond Horizons: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s Industry Symposium | 30 September

Join us for Beyond Horizons: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s Industry Symposium at Mystery Creek Events Centre on 30 September 2025.
HWT Symposium

Regenerative and Sustainable Tourism

Regenerative tourism is focused on the prosperity of people and place and aims to enrich a community

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Find out how you can get involved and leverage off existing activities

Business Support & Tools

This where you will find HWT's treasure trove of business support, tools, and resources, designed to help you start or grow a thriving tourism business

Latest News, Events, & Workshops

We strive to assist tourism businesses with staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best business practices through events, workshops and news releases.

Tiaki in Kirikiriroa

For Kirikiriroa Hamilton tourism and hospitality businesses, caring for people, place and culture is at the forefront of everything they do with many already making standout contributions to the environment and community and sharing stories of our special place.

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Event Organisers Toolkit

Discover practical guidance and essential resources to help you plan and deliver successful events.

Waikato is a region of diversity; an agricultural powerhouse of awe-inspiring natural wonders including the mighty Waikato River, Waitomo caves, surf beaches, and is home to Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Raukawa.

Destination Management Plan

Latest Industry News

New Boutique Cambridge Hotel The Clements Opens its doors

5 August 2025
Following a multi-million-dollar transformation of the town’s original 1866 beaux-arts Masonic hotel (named after Archibald Clements), the 29-room property brings refined luxury and soulful charm to the Waikato region’s growing tourism landscape. 

Tourism events fund creates $220 million impact for Thermal Explorer region

23 June 2025
A tourism events fund set up after the Covid-19 pandemic has generated $220 million in direct economic impact for communities in the ‘Thermal Explorer’ regions of Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo and Ruapehu.

Explore Central North Island launches new North American trade training and famil initiative in partnership with Air New Zealand

8 May 2025
Explore Central North Island (ECNI), a marketing collective of eight regional tourism organisations (RTOs), is proud to announce a bold new trade initiative targeting the North American market, delivered in partnership with Air New Zealand USA.

North Island is where it’s at: The plan to win over hearts of tourists with first-of-its-kind alliance

5 May 2025
From the sub-tropical beaches of the Far North to the vineyards of Martinborough and the cultural experiences of Rotorua in between, tourism leaders are joining forces to make a strong play for holidaymakers to experience more of the visitor offerings right across the North Island.

A booming good summer for male kākāpō on the North Island mainland

1 May 2025
Kākāpō at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari have completed their first season of booming – something that has not been heard on the North Island of mainland Aotearoa for more than a century.
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