Ann: GENERAL: CVT: Comvita Opens Expanded Visitor

• Release Date: 27/11/13 11:36
• Summary: GENERAL: CVT: Comvita Opens Expanded Visitor Attraction in Bay of Plenty
• Price Sensitive: No
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					CVT
27/11/2013 09:36
GENERAL

REL: 0936 HRS Comvita Limited

GENERAL: CVT: Comvita Opens Expanded Visitor Attraction in Bay of Plenty

Global health products company Comvita, is officially opening 'Experience
Comvita' today, the expanded visitor attraction at its Paengaroa site in the
Bay of Plenty.

The purpose built attraction has been developed in a joint venture with
tourism company, The Department of Discovery, and has extended the existing
Visitor Centre (established in 2003) to a total of 840 sqm.

Comvita Chief Executive Brett Hewlett said: "Based on our experience over the
last 10 years, we know that visitors go on to become very loyal customers.
This new tourism experience will build Comvita's brand equity, through
increasing our brand recognition with visitors from key markets such as Asia,
Europe and Australia."

Mr. Hewlett says, "Aside from taking advantage of the growing recognition of
our brand and products in international markets, Experience Comvita will
further build brand reputation by engaging the visitor in our unique New
Zealand story; how we are being connected to nature, the source of our
ingredients and how this connection, combined with research and science,
enables people to live more healthy, vibrant lives."

"Experience Comvita is a new tourism destination that takes visitors on a
journey of discovery, starting with Tane, the Maori God of the forest and the
story of nature's powerful ingredients, then in a world first tourism
experience, visitors will enter a 'virtual beehive'. In the Wellness Room,
visitors see how, as a result of our busy pressured lives and the advance of
urbanisation, we've become disconnected from nature. A recipe for renewal is
offered, one that shows a way to improve our own health and the health of the
planet."

Department of Discovery Managing Director, Andrew Te Whaiti says the new
attraction will be modelled on the 'New Tourism' ethos and will be a
tremendous boost for tourism in the Bay of Plenty.

"New Tourism is about engaging with visitors, by tapping into human emotion,
sharing history, values, knowledge and a vision for the future. This approach
to tourism connects in meaningful and lasting ways with visitors, both
international and domestic, as well as with businesses and communities," said
Mr. Te Whaiti.

Mr. Hewlett says, "The development of Experience Comvita also signals our
commitment to remaining in Paengaroa and continuing to be part of the
community, as we have been since Comvita's inception in 1974.

# Ends #

For further information:
Brett Hewlett, Comvita CEO, 021 740 160
Andrew Te Whaiti, MD, Department of Discovery, 027 348 0223.
Julie Chadwick, Comvita Communications Manager, 021 510 693

Background information

About Comvita (www.comvita.com)
Comvita is an international natural health and beauty company committed to
the development of innovative products, backed by credible scientific
research. We are the global leader in Manuka (leptospermum) honey and
fresh-picked Olive Leaf Extract, which are at the core of the Comvita product
range. We have approx. 30% of honey supply under our ownership with the
balance of supply from long term contractual and partnership arrangements.
Comvita's Olive Leaf Extract is grown, harvested, extracted and bottled at
the world's largest specialised olive leaf grove, with over 580,000 olive
trees. Comvita sells into more than 18 countries through a network of
wholesale and third-party outlets and online. We have offices in New Zealand,
Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

About The Department of Discovery (www.departmentofdiscovery.com)
The Department of Discovery (DOD) was established in 2000 to undertake
strategic tourism consultancy and tourism asset management. We are an
NZ-based company also registered in the USA. DOD has undertaken tourism
research assignments for Government and regional tourism organisations and
business on and off-shore with major projects in Fiji, Hawaii and mainland
USA. In 2008 DOD was nominated for the National Geographic Global Eco-Tourism
Award, demonstrating our commitment to and understanding of, destinations
through the creation of unique world class hospitality, cultural and tourism
experiences. DOD created a new concept of Brand Tourism which supports brand
initiatives and creates lasting consumer and visitor loyalty. DOD has
strategic partnerships with Warnick & Co (with offices in Chicago, Los
Angeles, Minneapolis, Phoenix and New York) and with Marketing Services
Travel & Tourism Ltd in London, which is a key partner supporting our
UK/Europe tourism networks.
End CA:00244350 For:CVT    Type:GENERAL    Time:2013-11-27 09:36:08