SOUL OF OUR TOURISM

Tena koe Editor,

There are so many little Tourism gems working behind the scenes in our District that I have to acknowledge the recent award picked up by Claire and Brent Firmin along with baby Thomas owner’s of ‘Spirit of the River Jet.’

Their commitment to the kaupapa of Maori Tourism is re-sounding and must not go past without this special mention from the WMRTO. Their hard work and long hours have paid off and is a shining example of the contribution venture tourism make to the Sector and the Whanganui District.

To win Rankers Traveller Voted Award is a milestone and huge achievement. The potential of our Icon ‘Te Awa O Whanganui’ is by some underestimated but they have put us on the map and into cyberspace. This has demonstrated the contribution our small operators make getting on with the job, working diligently behind the scene and walking the talk.

This is not the first time Claire and Brent have done us proud. They are gaining recognition for organising itineraries for visitors to our region and actively promote and involve other operators. They have been accepted into the National Maori Tourism Mentoring Programme and actively attend tourism workshops including participating in the Te Kahui Tupua – Elevate Fast Track Workshops.

Rankers is right ‘People looking after people’ is the soul of the tourism industry – Spirit of the River Jet lives upto its name and is our shining example of that. Our heartfelt congratulations to Brent, Claire and baby Thomas.

Soraya Peke-Mason
Chair
Whanganui Maori Regional Tourism Org.
Cel: 027 2707763.
11TH August 2009.

Dear Brent and Claire

Congratulations on recently winning the Rankers Traveler Voted Award for being the business which goes the extra mile for its customers.

On reading the reviews it is obvious that the experience with Spirit of the River (Te Wairua O Te Awa) Jet has to be one of the best, offering spectacular scenery coupled with your amazing knowledge of the Whanganui River and its history.

I wish you all the very best.

Kind Regards
Chester Borrows MP for Whanganui

Hi Brent and Claire

Congratulations! - I read the article re. Rankers Award.  Looking forward to another trip up the river.

Kind regards
Margo (Prague) 2/9/09