ITC Industry News Bulletin #53

This week’s airline, travel and tourism news includes a fallout over budget cuts, changes to regional flight routes, funding for new attractions, and more.

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TIA ‘dismayed’ by funding cuts

The latest New Zealand budget has just been announced, and it includes a cut to the funding for the Department of Conservation (DOC). In the last budget, just over $378 million was set aside for DOC expenditures, while the 2016/17 plan has dropped to almost $345 million.

The TIA is ‘dismayed’ by this move, which sees funding drop by almost 10 per cent. Chief Executive Chris Roberts is concerned about how these cuts might impact the tourism sector.

“DOC has two core functions. The first is protecting our natural heritage – our indigenous species and the habitats and ecosystems that support them. The second is facilitating recreation and tourism, so that New Zealanders and our visitors are enriched by outdoor experiences,” he explained.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #52

In this week’s New Zealand tourism and travel news, the country is breaking records for tourism spend, the cruise industry is going from strength to strength, migration is on the rise, and much more.

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International tourism spend tops $10 billion for the first time

Tourism New Zealand recently announced that spending from international visitors has now surpassed $10 billion for the first time ever.

Arrivals from the USA, India and China have all bolstered these numbers, which are up for the year ending April by 10.6, 11.4 and 29.2 per cent respectively. There have also been more arrivals from the UK and Germany, while Australia remains in first place with the most arrivals, which continue to grow steadily.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler was excited by the news.

“To see this level of growth in off-peak arrivals is exceptionally good news for the industry – by extending the traditional peak season it enhances employment opportunities and the value growth is bringing significant economic benefit to the country,” he explained.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #51

This week in NZ travel news, a prediction shows just how much tourism could grow, an exhibition moves to Christchurch, and the TIA gets a new name.

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Tourism set to rise in NZ

Tourism figures have recently hit all time highs around New Zealand – and these statistics are only set to climb further, according to Associate Tourism Minister Paula Bennett.

She says that expenditure could increase by as much as 65 per cent by 2022, bringing the annual revenue to $16 billion. Bennett made these statements during the TRENZ national event in Rotorua last week, as part of the New Zealand Tourism Forecast 2016-2022 report.

At this stage, Australia is the largest source of income for the industry, but the forecast predicts that China will overtake our Tasman neighbours within the next two years.

“I encourage the sector to make use of this information which is aimed at helping the industry plan and invest strategically,” she said.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #50

In this week’s tourism news, New Zealand wins a top award for adventure travel, TRENZ 2016 kicks off, and more.

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New Zealand wins Best International Destination for Adventure award

Each year, the Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards recognise the best of the best for international travel. This year – and for the second year in a row – New Zealand has taken the top spot for Best International Destination for Adventure.

The award was announced at an event in Mumbai on May 9, where Australia and South Africa were named as runners up to the award.

Steven Dixon, regional manager South and South East Asia for Tourism New Zealand, explains what the award meant for the country’s travel industry.

“As a key market for Tourism New Zealand, the award is a positive endorsement from Indian travellers – which supports our work to drive interest and awareness with those considering booking a trip to experience it for themselves.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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$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.

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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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