Evolving community response to tourism and change in Rotorua

Abstract

The aim of this report is to outline how the Rotorua community experiences tourism and tourism development and how they have adapted to it. The objectives are to: give an historical account of the history of the development of tourism in Rotorua; give an account of broader community issues which influence the community's attitudes to tourism development in their town; record the perceptions that residents have of tourism and show how these have changed over time; describe how the host community copes with the type of tourism development that exists in the area; and suggest what factors might be important in influencing residents' perceptions of tourism and their adaptation to it. This report argues that the community in Rotorua is generally very accepting of tourism, and that tourism in the town is well managed due to the proactive role taken by the local Council in relation to tourism development and promotion. Local people see tourism as a source of stability at a time of great change. For local decision-makers, tourism is a means to address the problems of unemployment and poverty which appear to be increasing in the area.