ITC Industry News Bulletin #18
In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, i-SITEs around New Zealand are celebrated, the TIA supports the construction of a new hotel on Auckland’s waterfront, the Government opens a new round of tourism funding, and much, much more.
TOP STORIES
Opportunities for tourism industry investment
The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) is pleased that a new luxury hotel is being constructed on Auckland’s waterfront.
According to TIA chief executive Chris Roberts, projects like the Park Hyatt development are exactly the type of investments New Zealand needs to stay on track to achieve its Tourism 2025 goals.
“To meet the goals of Tourism 2025, it is essential that we encourage investment to improve the quality of current infrastructure to meet rising visitor expectations, as well as creating a positive environment for investment in new facilities,” Mr Roberts said in a statement.
He added that new investment projects also create jobs, boost local economies and contribute to “building vibrant communities to live, work and play”.
Research shows i-SITEs play key role in unlocking visitor spending
i-SITEs across New Zealand play a huge role in ensuring visitors enjoy their time in our beautiful country, according to research released this week.
The Economic Impact Analysis of the i-SITE Network report reveals that i-SITEs are instrumental in unlocking visitor spending and providing tourists with guidance as they travel around New Zealand.
This in turn has a positive impact on the New Zealand economy, with every $1 in funding spent on i-SITEs generating approximately $8.70 in return in GDP.
“The research indicates that the overall visitor spending facilitated and handled by the i-SITE network is estimated at around $298.5m,” said i-SITE New Zealand Executive Manager Paul Yeo.
“Around $109.3m of this spending can be directly attributed to the network and would not have taken place if the i-SITEs did not exist,” he added.
Tourism fund opens for fourth round
The Tourism Growth Partnership has opened for its fourth round of funding, the Prime Minister John Key announced yesterday. This fund supports new tourism initiatives and projects and has contributed $8,124,877 to innovative ideas so far.
“Under the Tourism Growth Partnership, the Government is making $8 million per annum available to boost innovation and lift productivity in the tourism sector to ensure New Zealand gains more from international visitors’ spend,” Mr Key said in a statement.
Mr Key added: “We are keen to attract more visitors to New Zealand and we can do this by identifying and responding to new market opportunities and looking at what additional products and services we can provide.”
IN BRIEF
CEO Q&A: Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand chief executive
This short yet substantial interview by the NZ Herald with Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon offers a wonderful insight into his business goals and philosophies. An interesting read. Read more.
Peer to peer campervan hire launches
Four friends have launched a peer to peer campervan hire business in Christchurch called SHAREaCAMPER. Co-founder Kris Johnstone hopes this will encourage people who own campers “that would otherwise be gathering dust in their driveway” to rent them out to visitors – a chance to make some extra cash and help people see New Zealand. Read more.
Air NZ teams with sustainability expert to help clean up operations
Air New Zealand is working with sustainability expert and author Sir Jonathon Porritt to improve greenhouse gas emissions and reduce waste. Read more.
Wellington to expand with Chinese investment
Wellington City Council is in discussions with Chinese developers about a joint investment to extend the airport, build new housing in Shelly Bay and a series of other projects. Read more.
Accolade for Tourism New Zealand’s premium sector
Tourism New Zealand picked up the ‘Destination Award’ at a recent luxury travel trade show in Sydney, Luxperience. This award acknowledged the organisation’s commitment to attracting luxury travellers to the region. Read more.
Air NZ says a fond farewell to the 737 after 47 years in the skies
Air New Zealand recently took its last two Boeing 737s on a farewell tour of the country, as it prepares to sell them both off. Air NZ’s 737 fleet manager, first officer Gus Black, told stuff.co.nz that although it was sad to see them go, the airline would be replacing them with “the latest and greatest” new aircraft. Read more.
Posted in News | Tagged Air New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, i-SITEs, Tourism Growth Partnership Fund, Tourism Industry Association, tourism investment, Tourism New Zealand | Leave a reply