ITC Industry News Bulletin #12

In the first ITC Industry News Bulletin for August, hotels across New Zealand are performing exceptionally well, cycling holidays are taking off and much more.
TOP STORIES
Hotels across New Zealand are performing exceptionally well according to new data released by the Tourism Industry Association (TIA). The research was based on all TIA-member hotels, of which there are nearly 140 around the country. The average occupancy in these hotels during 2014 was 75.7%, while the average daily rate was $144.
“Almost every region saw record results last year, with the exception of Christchurch where a significant recovery in the supply of available rooms due to hotel openings and re-openings has affected the occupancy statistics,” TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said in a statement.
“These positive trends have continued in 2015 and as a result, we are seeing reinvestment with a number of hotels undergoing refurbishment. And investors are responding to demand with more hotel developments around the country that we have seen for quite some time,” he added.
Phil Keoghan inspires Americans to travel to New Zealand
You will recognise Phil Keoghan as the host of The Amazing Race, but did you know he’s also been actively promoting New Zealand cycling holidays in the US? Tourism New Zealand recruited the popular television personality for a cycling campaign earlier this year. The campaign ran from March through to May and has already generated impressive results, including more than 2.5 million online engagements.
Tourism New Zealand Director of Marketing, Andrew Fraser said the partnership with Phil has helped to attract a new kind of tourist to New Zealand’s shores.
“What really stands out is that the campaign inspired people to think about New Zealand in a new way, as a place to have a cycling-specific holiday – an experience they hadn’t previously thought of coming to New Zealand for,” Mr Fraser said.
Queenstown-based tourism internet company expands service
In this day and age, one of the most frustrating challenges travellers face when staying in hostels and hotels is connecting to the internet. Fortunately, the HeadQuarters Network Consultancy (HQ) is taking steps to ensure there are more internet hotspots throughout New Zealand. HQ currently brings free Wifi and other internet services to more than 140 locations, with this number expected to increase to beyond 400 thanks to its recent acquirement of the Internet Access Company (IAC).
“We’re all about making it as easy as possible for visitors to New Zealand to access the internet while travelling and tell their friends, family and the world what a fantastic time they’re having here,” said HQ Managing Director Uan Spijkerbosch.
IN BRIEF
Gloombusters: Tourism drives economy higher
All eyes are on tourism for all the right reasons, with yet more data confirming the industry is on its way to overtaking dairy as New Zealand’s biggest export earner. “It’s a growth sector and there’s a lot more left in the tank,” Prime Minister John Key told the NZ Herald. Long may the prosperity continue. Read more.
Holiday park owners optimistic about business
A recent survey of holiday park owners revealed a strong sense of optimism. “Confidence this month has increased to a level slightly above that of the previous year, after having dipped throughout the beginning of winter,” says Fergus Brown, the chief executive of the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand. Read more.
Ecotourism is first to win Liftoff funding
An ecotourism company based in the Bay of Plenty is the first business to benefit from Liftoff, a new crowdfunding business. Liftoff is attempting to raise more than $600,000 for the business, which runs eco-tourism walks in the Whirinaki Rainforest. Read more.
Auckland Airport announces winners of $100k tourism competition
Four tourism businesses have each won $25,000 as part of an Auckland Airport competition. “The prize money will be used by the winners for the development of a seasonally-themed tourism experience for visitors from an Asian market of their choice,” said Norris Carter, the General Manager of Aeronautical Commercial at Auckland Airport. Read more.
Posted in News | Tagged Accommodation, Auckland Airport, Ecotourism, Hotel Industry, New Zealand, TIANZ, Tourism New Zealand, Travel, Wifi | Leave a reply