Ruapehu's isite network is currently needing to reduce its opening hours due to a combination of staff shortages and sickness notably caused by the resurgence of COVID19.
Manager Kim Treen said that the isite apologised for any inconvenience and asked that people are patient and understanding of the situation.
“If people find an isite is closed please call us on our freephone 0800 647 483 where we can still help with all your experience, accommodation or travel needs in Ruapehu and around the motu,” she said.
“With the summer holidays and rebound in tourism we understand this is far from ideal but we are doing all we can to maintain services and return to our usual opening hours as soon as possible.
Between difficulties in recruiting new Visitor Consultants, seasonal sickness and COVID19 the isites are being hit with a 'perfect storm' of staffing issues.
Currently the Ohakune isite is unable to open on weekends due to a lack of staff and we have not always been able to maintain normal hours in Taumarunui.
The staffing issues have also contributed to the closing of the Whakapapa isite.”
Mrs Treen said that the isites have been advertising constantly for new Visitor Consultants for over a year but like many other businesses are really struggling to find people.
Training an isite Visitor Consultant takes over a year to get them fully skilled-up and able to provide the 'expert local knowledge' we are known and trusted for.
All Visitor Consultants need to experience the top summer and winter attractions for themselves as well as gaining Tourism NZQA Level 3 qualifications,” she said.
Mrs Treen added that if anyone is looking for a fun job with a great team please have a look at vacancies section on Council's website ruapehudc.govt.nz.
“And if you are still in need of any Christmas gifts or have friends and family visiting over summer consider buying them an experience with one of Ruapehu’s tourism operators.
Supporting our local tourism operators and retailers is a great way to ensure everyone has a great Christmas,” she said.
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