ITC Industry News Bulletin #49

Travel news in New Zealand this week includes a historic flight, a major investment, as well as predictions for future tourism.

TOP STORIES

Queenstown celebrates first night flight

Up until May 1 2016, Queenstown had never been able to offer departures or landings after dark due to the airport’s location amidst the mountains. That all changed, however, when Air New Zealand landed its first ever flight after dark. The flight was the first test run for commercial services that will begin later this month.

A full schedule for passenger flights will come into effect not long after, which will see an additional 100,000 seats available between Auckland and Queenstown – an increase of roughly 15 percent on current levels.

This historic first was achieved with runway improvements, new airfield lighting and airline training and procedures.

“It really is a milestone for New Zealand aviation and we’re proud to be the first airline to offer this service to customers,” explained Air NZ Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #48

This week, New Zealanders weigh in on the tourism industry and visitor numbers are up around the country.

TOP STORIES

What Kiwis think of their own tourism industry

More than 1,000 New Zealanders were recently asked about their opinions on the local tourism industry in two surveys conducted by Tourism New Zealand and the Tourism Industry Association (TIA). The research, titled ‘Mood of the Nation’, sought to understand Kiwis’ perceptions about the industry as visitor numbers soar to ever-increasing heights.

As it turns out, Kiwis are largely positive about the trend, but they have outlined a few concerns. These concerns stem from issues such as the potential for a negative environmental impact, road safety, and lack of accommodation.

Chris Roberts, chief executive for the TIA, explained the results by saying “every day, in every region of New Zealand, visitors are having a positive impact. And it’s great that Kiwis want to be welcoming hosts. Manaakitanga is what makes the New Zealand visitor experience unique”.

Manaakitanga is the Maori word for hospitality and kindness.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #47

In this week’s travel and tourism news, Tourism New Zealand and Christchurch Airport announce a new venture in the South Island, and Tourism New Zealand also launches a brand new marketing campaign.

TOP STORIES

$6m venture to lure new tourists

Christchurch Airport and Tourism NZ (TNZ) have signed a $6m deal to promote the country through this South Island airport. The money will go towards trade activities, PR and advertising.

Initially, the two organisations have agreed to a period of three years. According to the director of trade, PR and major events at TNZ, Rene de Monchy, the first year will be all about the South Island.

“Over the first year we’ll carry out campaign activity to promote South Island road trips departing from Christchurch, aligned with Tourism New Zealand’s focus to attract visitors to more regions.”

Further annual agreements will be decided upon at a later date.

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Three reasons why studying tourism in New Zealand is amazing

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to study tourism, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, friendly people and amazing culture.

Did you hear the great news last week? New Zealand was once again voted the best country in the world by the UK’s Telegraph publication. This is the fourth time we’ve been awarded this prestigious accolade.

To celebrate this epic win, we’ve put together 3 reasons why studying tourism in New Zealand is amazing. If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in tourism, there’s really no better location than Aotearoa. Here’s why.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #46

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealand is named the world’s best country for the 4th year in a row and Air New Zealand takes away an award for being the country’s most reputable company.

TOP STORIES

Air NZ ‘most reputable company’

Air New Zealand has once again taken the number one spot as the country’s most reputable company, according to a survey by research consultancy AMR.

Every year, AMR asks the public for their opinions on the top 25 organisations across a number of areas such as products, innovation, and performance. It’s the third year in the top spot for the airline, with survey respondents citing the company’s prices, service, planes, financial results and safety videos as reasons behind the votes. Air NZ last held first place in 2011 and 2012, but is generally in the top three with a second place ranking in 2015.

In an AMR press release, Managing Director Oliver Freedman explained the win, saying, “for Air New Zealand, the constantly high level of customer service has been a key reputational driver”.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #45

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, Air New Zealand announces new flights between Auckland and Manila, Canada looks to New Zealand for advice about race relations, and much more.

TOP STORIES

Air New Zealand launches Philippines service

Air New Zealand is expanding its Pacific Rim network with flights between Manila and Auckland set to start in December 2016.

Chief executive Christopher Luxon believes there will be steady demand for this service, especially given how much New Zealand’s Filipino population has grown.

“The number of visitors from the Philippines is also continuing to grow rapidly, up more than 20 per cent in the past year alone so we’re anticipating that demand for this service will be steady in both directions,” Mr Luxon said.

Once the new flight goes ahead, Air New Zealand will be flying to a total of over 32 international destinations.

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ITC students visit Auckland tourism hot spots for the 2016 Amazing Race

More than 200 brightly-clad ITC students hit the streets of Auckland in late March for the ‘Amazing Race’ student event.

On Wednesday March 23, ITC held one of its most popular annual student events: the Amazing Race.

Inspired by the television series of the same name, every year ITC organises a fun, fast-paced race around Auckland Central, as each team battles to win the coveted glory of being first across the finish line.

This year the day went well – despite the rain – with approximately 52 teams competing from both ITC’s City and South Auckland campuses.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #44

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, the South Island credits Instagram with attracting more visitors to its shores in 2015, several tourism operators challenge Easter trading laws and much more.

TOP STORIES

New Zealand’s South Island Sees Tourism Boom Thanks to Instagram Photos Like These

The South Island reported record visitor growth in 2015, far exceeding the North Island – and many tourism leaders believe this could be thanks to Instagram.

Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore told stuff.co.nz that they invested a lot of time into boosting Wanaka’s Instagram presence last year.

“We’ve done everything from Insta-meets, when you get a whole lot of people coming together to take photos to put on Instagram, to hosting influencers from around the world,” says James.

The link between Instagram and the South Island’s tourism growth caught the attention of international media, with Conde Nast Traveller covering the story. Click the ‘read more’ button below to read Conde Nast’s full coverage and see some of 2015’s most beautiful South Island Instagram pics.

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Ten New Zealand Instagram accounts you need to follow right now

Discover more about our travel and tourism industry by following our favourite NZ Instagram accounts.

One of the best ways to learn more about New Zealand’s exciting airline, travel and tourism industry is through social media. Forget selfies and food snaps – scenic shots of NZ’s beautiful landscapes are where it’s at! Follow these ten beautiful accounts to stay up-to-date with the NZ tourism industry’s top players.

1. Air New Zealand

With 123,000 followers (and climbing!), our national airline’s Instagram game is strong. Follow @airnz for stunning pics of planes, inspirational travel quotes and more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Air New Zealand ✈️ (@airnz)

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #43

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, AA Traveller has launched a new website designed to encourage more domestic travel, Auckland is making its mark as a popular travel destination and much more.

TOP STORIES

Growing domestic travel to support NZ economy

The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) is pleased to see New Zealand travel companies such as AA Traveller promoting the growth of domestic tourism.

Earlier this week AA Traveller launched a new campaign and website called ‘Great Spot Specials’ which offers a way for Kiwis to book local travel at great discounted rates. The site features exclusive deals for AA members and AA Smartfuel card holders.

TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said the timing of this new campaign couldn’t be better.

“Easter traditionally marks the end of the peak tourism season. We are delighted that AA Traveller is encouraging Kiwis to see their own backyard through this autumn and winter,” Mr Roberts said.

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