Hamilton & Waikato Tourism Membership Programme 2025/2026

We are pleased to offer our 2025-2026 Membership programme designed to connect operators with potential visitors and support the growth of the Waikato region. Members will gain a range of benefits, including elevated exposure through our marketing channels, access to Member only resources and networking opportunities.

Primary objectives of the Membership programme are to

• Provide a destination management approach to marketing the region, focusing on the quality of the overall visitor experience and targeted marketing efforts effectively
• Streamline collaboration between Hamilton & Waikato Tourism (HWT) and the tourism industry
• Maximising the impact of industry contributions to drive strategic growth
• Offer flexibility to our industry to meet the diverse needs of tourism operators
• Connect, grow and enrich our industry for future generations

Why become an HWT member?

Your Membership with HWT is an investment in the growth and success of your business and the region as a whole. By joining our Membership programme, you'll gain access to a range of benefits designed to elevate your profile, increase visitation, and contribute to the thriving Waikato tourism industry.

Boost your business

• Increased visibility: Benefit from prominent placement on our website and in our marketing materials, ensuring your business is seen by a wider audience.
• Access to Targeted marketing: Reach your ideal customers through marketing campaigns, leveraging digital channels, traditional media, and industry partnerships.
• Expert guidance: Access valuable insights and support from our team of experts, helping you make informed decisions and optimise your business operations.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded tourism professionals, share best practices, and build strong relationships within the industry.

Be part of something bigger

• Contribute to regional growth: Your membership supports our efforts to promote the mighty Waikato as a tourism destination, driving economic growth and job creation.
• Enhance the visitor experience: Support us to help create exceptional visitor experiences that leave a lasting positive impression.
• Champion sustainability: Join us in our commitment to responsible tourism practices and protecting our region's natural and cultural heritage.
• Shape the future: Influence tourism policies and initiatives through your involvement in industry forums and discussions.
• Government funded opportunities: As we’ve seen, Government funding towards tourism is typically provided through RTOs. By being an HWT Member, you will be included in our activities with any additional Govt funding. 

Specific benefits for HWT members only

• Priority access: You’ll be first to receive new marketing opportunities and have early access to register for our events.
• Professional development: Enhance your skills and knowledge through workshops and training programs, with specific Member only events and discounted ticket prices to HWT organised events.
• Greater visibility: You’ll have an upweighted listing on our website and feature on the home page on a rotational/shared basis. A priority individual feature on HWT social media channels and/or in a newsletter highlighting your visitor offering.
• Access to one-on-one support: Up to two hours of personalised business and digital marketing support.
• Member Portal: Exclusive access to business tools, how-to guides, reports, a library of assets such as images and promotional materials, and other resources not available to the general industry.
• Data insights: Valuable data and analytics to understand your target market and measure your performance. This year we’ll also include information of our Shareholder and Council-approved Key Performance Indicators.
• Famil hosting: Members will have priority for inclusion in famil hosting when appropriate.
• Representation at industry events: Our team prioritises your visitor/venue offering at domestic industry exhibition events, ie: MEETINGS, eXplore Show.
• Members Discounts for Members: CONCEPT: a suggestion from our Industry Advisory Group is for Members to offer discounts to other Members staff – a recruitment and staff retention benefit. This would be offered through the Member Portal.

Annual Membership Fee (excl. GST)

With guidance from our Industry Advisory Group, to ensure our Membership fees remain relevant with inflation, the Membership fees have increased by CPI – 2%. 

Joint venture opportunities provided to HWT members (excl. GST)

Joint venture opportunities are available for Members only and include activities such as being featured in our marketing campaigns and participating in business events activities, ie: event bid inclusion, these additional JV opportunities are not covered by the annual membership fee.

• Domestic marketing & media activities (i.e. domestic marketing campaigns, media campaigns): $5,100 pa
• Business events activities (i.e. joint famil hosting, inclusion in bids): $3,060 pa
• Attendance with regional representation at Travel/BE Trade Shows is offered to Members only. Price will depend on the event and component costs: $POA
• Any additional activities focussing on the Australian market, if a JV approach is deemed appropriate – will be offered only to Members: $POA 
• Regional features in print: $POA 
• Photography / social media content creator – opportunity will be offered to Members first; with price dependent on number of Members who commit: $POA
• Visitor Guide / Regional Map – if/when a regional visitor guide is developed, priority advertising opportunities and placement will be provided to Members: $POA

NEW THIS YEAR – Membership-LITE

We have considered feedback and designed a Membership-LITE option specifically for a limited number of hospitality and bed-and-breakfast operators. This is offered at $500 per annum + GST. We will endeavour to ensure a reasonable spread across the region and numbers will be limited to 15 operators with the Membership-LITE option. 

Benefits provided on the Membership-LITE model

• Digital activities
  • upweighted/enhanced listing on our website
  • feature on our home page on a rotational/shared basis
  • individual/specific post on HWT social media channels
  • access to list your offering on Hot Deals platform
• Access to the Member-LITE Portal on our website, which provides additional tools and information not available to the general industry. Note Membership-LITE will have limited access to the Members Portal, full access is for Members only.

Access to additional Joint Venture opportunities mentioned above are not included in this Membership-LITE offering.  

Booking Deadline: 16 July 2025

Please note this membership programme is only available to businesses and tourism operators operating within the Hamilton & Waikato Tourism RTO boundaries. For full Terms & Conditions please click here

By becoming a Member of HWT, you're not just investing in your business; you're investing in the future of your region. Let's work together to create an even more vibrant and successful tourism industry for many generations to come.

Kia ārahi ki te taiao
Mo te ngākau o te hapori

Te be guided by the environment
To empower the community

Sign up today to maximise your benefit