ITC Industry News Bulletin #2
TOP STORIES
NZ annual arrivals heading towards 3 million
Data released late last week shows yet another increase in visitor arrivals. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said these figures are encouraging and suggest that New Zealand’s peak season “is slowly extending later into the shoulder months”.
Government to introduce border tax
Last week the Government announced plans to introduce a border clearance levy. This will see travellers charged upon arrival into New Zealand, as well as upon departure. The TIA will submit formal feedback on the levy, as many tourism leaders have expressed concern.
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment releases NZ Tourism Forecasts 2015-2021
New national tourism forecasts have been released, looking forward to the year 2021. Unsurprisingly, the forecasts are positive and the industry is poised for growth. International visitor expenditure alone is expected to increase 48.5% to 11.1 billion by 2021.
IN BRIEF
Key to give more than $1.5mil to tourism ventures
The Government will be investing in two major tourism ventures: the development of a new spa complex in Rotorua and a new aviation exhibition in Blenheim. Read more.
Tourism New Zealand switching off marketing budget for summer to focus on lower seasons
So many visitors come to NZ over summer that Tourism New Zealand’s marketing will now focus on the off-peak months. Read more.
Tourism industry welcomes convention centre agreement
The tourism industry is pleased that the updated plans for the SkyCity Convention Centre have been approved by the Government. Read more.
Passports for adults to be valid for 10 years
Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne has confirmed New Zealand passports will be valid for 10 years by the end of this year. Read more.
Auckland rail patronage at all-time high
More people are choosing to travel by train in Auckland, with rail trips up 22 per cent from last year. All trains are expected to be electric by July. Read more.
Wine, tourism industries should keep eye on China
New Zealand vineyards are being encouraged to market their products to Chinese customers. Read more.
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