Fact vs fiction: Which tourism news stories are actually true?

New Zealand’s tourism industry is a topic of hot debate. But which stories are actually true?

As New Zealand passes its one year anniversary of closing the borders and locking down, the news has been spending a lot of time reporting on, and speculating about, the tourism industry.

Of course, with the borders closed and no international tourists coming in, tourism operators have not enjoyed the same level of business as they usually would. But that’s not to say tourism is dead, or that it will never return, or that those working in the industry are completely out of luck, or even that those who want to get into the industry should think otherwise.

There’s simply a lot of half-truths and overly negative press coverage at the moment, and we’d like to offer a more positive point of view and set the record straight! (more…)

Kiwis explore their new-found appreciation for New Zealand travel

The latest Tourism New Zealand webinar has highlighted how Kiwis have found a new appreciation for local travel.

Tourism New Zealand has been keeping a close eye on travel and tourism within New Zealand, and has recently released its latest survey findings on the attitudes and goals of Kiwis when it comes to exploring their own backyard.

The January webinar hosted by Tourism New Zealand to discuss their findings was exciting, enlightening, and educational, and an important roadmap for tourism operators around the country.

Here are a few of our favourite highlights from the webinar. (more…)

The tourism industry needs you!

The tourism industry is crying out for skilled and qualified staff. Right now is the perfect time to enrol at ITC and start an exciting career in the industry.

This is a message for anyone who is considering studying for a career in travel, tourism, or aviation in 2021.

We need you!

Or more specifically, the industry needs you! (more…)

ITC students step up to volunteer at Auckland Travel Expo

The Auckland Travel Expo featured the region’s best attractions and experiences, all with the help of wonderful ITC volunteers.

The first ever Discover Auckland Travel Expo was held over the weekend on November 14 at Shed 10, offering a chance for visitors to learn about all the experiences and sights throughout the region.

This annual event is a large undertaking, requiring a lot of planning to put together and hands on deck to help it run seamlessly on the day. Naturally, a number of ITC students were quick to sign up to volunteer their weekend time to help out.

Here’s a little more about the expo, and feedback from our student volunteers. (more…)

ITC launches new webpage celebrating the rise of New Zealand tourism

ITC has launched a webpage to celebrate and follow the rise of New Zealand tourism.

This year, New Zealand became one of the first countries in the world to beat the virus not just once, but twice. As a result, Kiwis everywhere began to celebrate by doing what we do best – travel.

Thanks to being able to travel safely and enjoy our own backyard, New Zealanders have been busily making plans and exploring the country, seeing sights usually crowded with international visitors, and ticking off those local ‘must-dos’ at last. We also know that once borders reopen, New Zealand will be a hugely popular destination.

That’s why ITC has created a brand new webpage dedicated to following New Zealand’s tourism progress as it once again begins to rise. We will keep this page updated with new information as it is released. (more…)

To all our #tourismheroes: We see you, and we’re thankful for you

Flights may be grounded, but we know there are still many #tourismheros working to help travellers all around the world.

In challenging times, some wise words from a man called Fred Rogers help us to focus on the good in the world. 

Fred Rogers once said:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’.” 

There are many, many helpers at the moment. Our doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. Teachers, supermarket assistants, delivery drivers. Hospitality workers, baristas, customer service professionals. Friends and family caring for one another, neighbours checking in on each other, and even strangers sharing funny stories and memes on the internet to lighten our spirits. 

We are thankful for every single helper in this pandemic.

Today, we want to make a special shoutout to all our #tourismheroes – all of the people working in the tourism industry to help travellers navigate this exceptionally challenging time.

(more…)

Key events for NZ tourism in 2019

If you’re interested in attending any of the major trade shows or conferences for NZ tourism in 2019, it’s a good idea to mark the dates in your diary.

Happy 2019, everyone!

This year is expected to be another big one for the New Zealand tourism industry, with lots of important events on the horizon.

Here are some key industry events to add to your calendar.

(more…)

Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2018: Key talking points

Te Papa, Wellington: the venue for the Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2018.

Earlier this month (Nov 8), the Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2018 was held in Wellington.

Hundreds of tourism delegates met at Te Papa to discuss the future of tourism and exchange ideas, opportunities, and challenges.

Here are some of the key announcements and talking points from the day.

(more…)

These new air travel statistics will astound you

New statistics about global air travel reveal the huge impact of this industry around the world.

Did you know the air travel industry supports 65.5 million jobs around the world? And it’s worth $27.7 trillion in global economic activity?

These impressive figures come from a new research report by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).

ATAG is raising awareness about the size of the global air travel industry and the huge impact it has on millions of lives around the world.

(more…)

Tourism by numbers: Five key stats about NZ tourism

With scenery like this, it’s easy to see why New Zealand attracts millions of visitors each year.

It’s no secret that tourism is one of New Zealand’s biggest industries. But just how big and how important is tourism for our country? That’s a story best told in numbers.

Here are five key stats about New Zealand tourism to help you better understand the significance of the industry.

(more…)