On March 4th, Marsden Hotel Group’s Steve Woods (Group Director of Marketing & Development) and Swathi Kota (Group Director of Sales) attended an industry lunch at JetPark Hamilton. The event, hosted by BEIA and Hamilton Waikato Tourism, brought together tourism professionals, hoteliers, and key stakeholders to discuss the region’s growth and future opportunities.
Key Topics Discussed:
1️) Waikato University Medical School – The potential establishment of this institution and its impact on the region’s economy and tourism.
2️) Jetstar’s Direct Flights from Sydney – Starting in June, this new route aims to boost trans-Tasman travel, creating opportunities for increased visitor numbers.
3️) New Leadership in Tourism – With Louise Upston appointed as Minister of Tourism & Hospitality, discussions centered around how this change could bring fresh perspectives and initiatives to support the sector.
Industry Insights & Future Outlook
For Marsden Hotel Group, the event provided valuable insights into post-COVID travel trends, global tourism engagement, and BEIA’s strategic plans for future events. There was also a strong focus on Waikato’s hotel market expansion, reflecting growing interest in the region as a key destination.
With new developments, improved connectivity, and a collective push to enhance tourism offerings, the future looks promising for Waikato.
We look forward to seeing these initiatives come to life and contributing to the region’s ongoing success.

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