Guiding Kāpiti’s Visitor Economy

Bringing together local expertise and national connections, the Board provides clear direction to strengthen Kāpiti’s visitor offering and long-term sustainability.

KCDC DECEMBER HIRES 14

Kāpiti Tourism Advisory Board

Tourism is one of Kāpiti’s most visible sectors. The Economic Development Kotahitanga Board (EDKB) established the Kāpiti Coast Tourism Advisory Board, to guide the implementation of the Destination Management Plan (DMP).

The role of the Kāpiti Coast Tourism Advisory Board

 

The Board’s role is to:

  • Lead implementation of the Destination Management Plan – ensuring the 60+ actions identified are delivered in partnership with local operators, iwi, and the community.

  • Champion the visitor economy – strengthening Kāpiti’s position as a distinctive, welcoming destination.

  • Support operators and businesses – identifying opportunities to increase visitation, extend length of stay, and grow visitor spend.

  • Foster collaboration across the sector – connecting tourism operators, Council, iwi, WellingtonNZ, and other partners.

  • Advocate for investment and infrastructure – ensuring the district has the facilities and experiences needed to attract high-value, sustainable tourism.

At its heart, the Board is focused on creating memorable visitor experiences while strengthening Kāpiti’s economy and community wellbeing, and envisions a district where:

  • Visitors stay longer, spend more, and return often thanks to bookable itineraries, bundled experiences, and high-quality accommodation.

  • Tourism supports cultural and environmental sustainability, highlighting Kāpiti’s unique natural and cultural assets.

  • Operators feel supported and connected, with industry voices guiding decisions that impact their sector.

  • Kāpiti’s story is shared with pride, positioning the district as a vibrant, year-round destination.

Why the Tourism Advisory Board matters

 

Tourism contributes not just to business growth, but to community pride, cultural celebration, and local vibrancy. By bringing together leaders from across the industry, the Board ensures Kāpiti has the vision, expertise, and structure needed to compete in an evolving tourism market.

The Advisory Board provides a strong, independent voice for operators, ensuring that industry perspectives are reflected in decision-making and that Kāpiti continues to grow as a destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors.

Relationships

 

The Tourism Advisory Board works closely with:

  • The Economic Development Kotahitanga Board, ensuring tourism priorities are aligned with wider economic strategy.

  • The Economic Development Team at Kāpiti Coast District Council, who support delivery of the DMP and marketing initiatives.

  • Local operators, iwi, WellingtonNZ, and regional partners, ensuring Kāpiti is well connected to the wider visitor economy.

This collaborative approach ensures that tourism in Kāpiti is industry-led, community-connected, and future-ready.

See more from the Tourism Advisory Board