Visiting friends and relatives (VFR) in the Bay of Plenty

Abstract

Tourism Bay of Plenty is interested to know whether local hosts of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) might be encouraged to play a larger part in the tourism economy of the Bay. This survey of 699 individuals gives a 4-week snapshot of VFR activity in the Bay of Plenty in summer 2016 including Auckland Anniversary and Waitangi Days; and a week at Easter during the Tauranga Jazz Festival. Issues investigated are: VFR profile, social dynamics which affect participation; activity patterns; the image of the Bay of Plenty; destination management issues that affect image; and the impact that VFR have on the visitor economy.