Tania Tapsell: Rotorua mayor on the city's bid to draw back tourists - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Rotorua is hoping to boost its reputation as a top tourism destination - despite some media blowback.

TRENZ, New Zealand’s largest international tourism event, just wrapped up - bringing over 1200 travel buyers from 26 countries into the city.

Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell disagrees with the claims that the city is 'dead' and says the city is 'smashing it' in regards to tourism.

"We were pretty surprised when we saw this very negative media article. Are we surprised... no. Will we fight back? Yes."

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