MEDIA RELEASE
27 June 2024
Stacey Goodwin is our Branch President of the picturesque region known best for its Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough. Stacey’s been involved with Hospitality NZ for the past 15 years, having joined as a member when she purchased Woodbourne Tavern & Motels in Renwick in early 2010, before taking on the role of Branch President for a stint in 2012 and then again last year.
Stacey says hospitality in the region is a bit of a mixed bag at the moment thanks to the winter months and the cost of living crisis that we’re in, but there are still some venues bucking the trend.
“Many businesses are working hard to get people through their doors – they’re updating their menus, pushing their business through social media, offering up special deals or events to entice people out. Many of these hospitality venues are doing well because of this, but there are businesses who are struggling and there is a noticeable downturn in customers across the board.”
One particular event that did help draw people out of hibernation was Woodbourne Tavern’s annual pig and deer hunt, held over King’s Birthday weekend, which saw more than a thousand people at the prizegiving and more than $40,000 given away in prizes.
“We hold this event every year and it’s not only a great way to get the community together, but it increases spend in the region and we see people travel from out of town, which has many benefits for the sector.”
You can read more about this event here.
When it comes to accommodation, data shows a decline in bed nights year on year for April, with domestic guest numbers down by 10,500 and international guest numbers down by 4,000 for the region, when compared to 2023 figures. It’s understood the reason behind this downward trend is the current state of the economy – with fewer business trips and leisure travellers, and general tightenings in discretionary spend.
“That being said, there have been some new Moteleirs join Hospitality NZ and a number of establishments have undertaken renovations and refurbishments which will only attract more visitors once we’re out of the quieter period.”
The highly anticipated wine industry trade event, WinePRO, was held in Blenheim over three days last week in the lead up to Mataraki, bringing a much-welcomed reprieve for many. Hundreds of people congregated in the region for the event, bringing increased guest nights and spend at hospitality venues.
July tends to see an increase in visitors through the school holidays and for the Marlborough Home and Garden show, but otherwise with Marlborough largely attracting those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, winter tends to be the quieter season.
Overall, Stacey says it’s a bumpy period with peaks and troughs and whilst there’s competition among venues, those in the industry always have each other's backs: “The support and encouragement for one another in Marlborough is second to none and is what helps make this place so special. We’ll get over the bumps together and we’ll come out the other side where it’s sunny and bright and visitors are sipping on Sauv again.”