TL;DR:
- Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua’s online sales doubled through AI and digital technologies.
- The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment’s Digital Boost program facilitated this success.
- AI chatbots effectively answer visitor inquiries, freeing up staff time.
- Zorb Rotorua utilized social media, particularly TikTok, to expand its customer base.
- Small businesses in New Zealand benefited from the Digital Boost program, fostering a digital presence.
- Shane Barr Shoe Repairs leveraged viral videos and AI-generated slogans to boost business.
Main AI News:
In the realm of Rotorua tourism, Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua & Altitude has emerged as a shining example of how artificial intelligence (AI) tools and cutting-edge digital technologies can revolutionize business operations. Leveraging the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Digital Boost program, this renowned attraction has witnessed its online sales share double, catapulting its success to new heights. Notably, the program has surpassed expectations, with a staggering 62,000 active users nationwide, including an impressive 4,822 registered users in the Bay of Plenty alone.
Bruce Thomasen, the director of Redwoods Treewalk, emphasized that the Digital Boost initiative aims to optimize the potential of selling directly to visitors through online channels while ensuring a seamless customer experience. Recognizing the prevalence of mobile devices among visitors, the company prioritizes a strong online presence. Thomasen remarked, “It is crucial that we are 100% effective with our online platform, enabling visitors to book tickets with just one click. Moreover, we integrate live feeds from Instagram and Facebook to keep our content real-time, capitalizing on the forest’s photogenic allure and driving organic referrals.”
Undoubtedly, AI has played a pivotal role in Redwoods Treewalk’s success story. By employing AI to provide real-time responses to visitor inquiries online, the company has transformed its customer service landscape. This game-changing application of AI has significantly reduced staff workload, freeing up valuable time previously spent on answering guest queries during the booking process. Thomasen proudly stated, “Our chatbot can predict and answer approximately 99% of guest questions, rendering our team’s direct involvement unnecessary.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, online sales accounted for around 10% of Redwoods Treewalk’s direct sales. However, in the post-COVID era, that figure has surged to an impressive 20%. This shift reflects a growing preference among consumers to purchase directly online, facilitated by their increased comfort and familiarity with the digital landscape. Thomasen acknowledged this evolving trend, underscoring the importance of continuously adapting to meet customers’ changing expectations.
At Zorb Rotorua, another prominent attraction, Owen Douthett-Turuta, the operations manager, attested to the immense impact of social media as a powerful marketing tool. With over 57,000 followers on TikTok, Zorb Rotorua has witnessed its videos amass more than 4.8 million likes, reaching an expansive audience. Douthett-Turuta emphasized the role of TikTok in broadening the attraction’s customer demographic, transcending the perception that its activities are solely for children. By strategically attaching the company’s website to their TikTok posts, they have effectively captured the attention of backpackers and enticed them to explore what Zorb Rotorua has to offer.
Douthett-Turuta highlighted the advantage of utilizing videos to stand out in the online realm, stating, “Images alone often fail to captivate my interest; I swiftly scroll past them. Videos, on the other hand, grab attention and keep viewers engaged.” The unique nature of Zorb Rotorua’s inflatable ball activity lends itself perfectly to captivating videos that pique curiosity and generate intrigue. Douthett-Turuta reminisced about their most viral video, which garnered over 100 million views, and the subsequent creation of a similarly successful clip showcasing how to exit the Zorb ball. This viral success is a testament to the unpredictable nature of online content and its potential to captivate audiences worldwide.
Malcolm Luey, the director of innovation at MBIE, shed light on the overarching objective of the Digital Boost program. The government-funded initiative, in collaboration with private sector partners, seeks to equip small businesses with a digital presence, thereby enabling consumers to actively support local enterprises. Reflecting on this vision, Luey asserted, “Our ambition extends further as we join forces with the private sector partners of the Digital Boost Alliance to continue building on a five-year roadmap, aligning all our efforts towards making New Zealand fully digital by 2030.” The Digital Boost Alliance, comprising 37 prominent corporations such as Google, The Warehouse Group, and ASB, stands as a powerful force in propelling New Zealand’s digital transformation.
Indeed, New Zealanders have shown immense support for local businesses, but the primary challenge lies in ensuring small enterprises establish a robust digital presence to connect with consumers effectively. Recognizing this, the MBIE Digital Boost program has extended its reach throughout the Bay of Plenty, collaborating with various organizations to provide comprehensive training opportunities. From the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce to Western Affair, Pakihi Ora, Katch Katikati, and the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, the program has fostered digital skills development, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital era.
In a different corner of New Zealand, Shane Barr, the owner of Shane Barr Shoe Repairs, has harnessed the power of viral how-to videos on TikTok and the versatility of artificial intelligence. Barr, a skilled cobbler based in Tauranga CBD, has leveraged the Digital Boost program to elevate his trade to unprecedented levels. With over 1.3 million likes and nearly 39,000 followers on TikTok, his engaging videos have not only broadened his customer base but also contributed to a surge in business. Barr’s videos, initially focused on sales pitches, underwent a transformation in response to viewer feedback. By making them more helpful and valuable, he struck a chord with his audience, resulting in immense success.
Furthermore, Barr’s incorporation of AI has proven invaluable, enabling him to craft snappy slogans effortlessly. By utilizing a chat forum on his website, he capitalizes on the efficiency and impact of AI-generated content. This combination of engaging videos and AI-powered marketing has propelled Shane Barr Shoe Repairs to the forefront of the industry, exemplifying the transformative power of digital technologies.
As New Zealand continues its journey toward full digitization by 2030, the MBIE Digital Boost program stands as a beacon of hope for small businesses across the nation. By equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to navigate the digital landscape effectively, this initiative ensures that local enterprises can thrive and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. With success stories like Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua, Zorb Rotorua, and Shane Barr Shoe Repairs illuminating the path forward, it is evident that the marriage of AI and digital innovations will continue to shape the future of business in New Zealand.
Conclusion:
The success stories of Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua, Zorb Rotorua, and Shane Barr Shoe Repairs demonstrate the transformative impact of AI and digital technologies on the tourism and small business market in Rotorua and beyond. These innovative approaches have led to significant growth in online sales, expanded customer bases, and increased brand visibility. It is clear that embracing digital strategies and leveraging AI tools are essential for businesses to thrive in the digital era. By adopting these technologies, businesses can enhance their online presence, provide seamless customer experiences, and tap into new markets, ultimately positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly interconnected world.
