Significant progress has been made since the Murihiku Southland Destination Strategy 2023–2029 (MSDS 2023) was launched, as Great South and other key tourism stakeholders work together to shape the future of the region’s visitor economy.
The MSDS 2023 provides the overarching framework for how Murihiku Southland is developed, managed, and promoted as a visitor destination. While Great South led the creation of the strategy and is the lead driver of many projects, its success depends on the collaborative efforts of the wider tourism sector.
An update released this month outlines the current status of projects and actions identified within the strategy, identifying lead organisations, estimated timings, and key milestones achieved.
Encouragingly, 48% of the actions identified are now either complete or embedded into Great South’s business-as-usual work programme.
A further 21% of projects are actively in progress, 9% are undergoing initial investigations, and the remainder are set for future development.
Among the many highlights from the first year of implementation are:
- The Hump Ridge Track being launched as New Zealand’s newest Great Walk
- The opening of Te Wāhi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park
- The launch of the Data and Insights Southland Hub (DISH)
- Development of the Get a Life marketing campaign
- Progress in celebrating the region’s cultural heritage
- Improvements in sustainable tourism practices
A copy of the Murihiku Southland Destination Strategy Implementation Plan can be found HERE
