ITC Industry News Bulletin #29
This week’s top news stories from the airline, travel and tourism industry.
TOP STORIES
Air New Zealand named Airline of the Year for third year running
New Zealand’s national airline has once again been recognised for world-class excellence. Air New Zealand has been named Airline of the Year by AirlineRatings.com for the third year in a row.
AirlineRatings.com is a website which rates and reviews aviation products and safety systems. Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas believes Air New Zealand’s commitment to its staff is one reason why the airline continues to outperform competitors.
“Air New Zealand’s focus on its staff has resulted in outstanding performance right across the airline at every touch point and the airline’s innovation continues to impress, including the recently launched tracking of unaccompanied children,” says Mr Thomas.
“Given Air New Zealand’s location and the country size, its performance is stunning,” he added.
Over 430 airlines were rated by AirlineRatings.com as part of the judging process.
Will Taylor Swift feature in an Air NZ safety video?
In more Air New Zealand news, the airline has reached out to pop star Taylor Swift, inviting her to join in on its safety video fun.
“Hey Taylor Swift – Once you’ve shaken off that rogue bug and done shooting your music video, how about starring in our next safety video,” Air New Zealand posted to its Facebook page, tagging the pop icon.
Taylor Swift has been exploring New Zealand with her family this week. She’s posted a few pictures of her travels on social media – a significant boon for the New Zealand tourism industry, as the star has 56.9 million followers on Instagram alone.
A spokesperson for Air New Zealand said they were eagerly anticipating her response.
“We can’t wait to hear what she has to say.”
IN BRIEF
Air New Zealand touches down in Buenos Aires
But wait, there’s more – Air New Zealand is once again making headlines this week, this time in regards to its first flight to Argentina touching down in Buenos Aires. Passengers were welcomed by a Kapa Haka group at the airport, including former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw who was on board. Read more.
$25 million boost for visiting driving safety
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will be investing $25m in visiting driver safety over the next three years. The majority of this funding will go towards improving safety on popular tourist routes in the South Island. Read more.
Kiwis snap up 10-year passports
Applications for extended 10-year passports opened on Monday (November 30). The Department of Internal Affairs’ passport division is gearing up for a busy few weeks as New Zealanders line up to get their applications in before Christmas. Read more.
TIA: Regional economies will benefit from new air services
The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) welcomes increased competition across regional air routes, it said in a statement released on Tuesday. On behalf of the organisation, chief executive Chris Roberts acknowledged and applauded Jetstar and Qantas Group “for showing a serious and long term commitment to New Zealand and our tourism industry.” Read more.
New mobile technology allows businesses to target tourists in real time
A new tourism mobile app, ‘Scoot’, is launching this week, designed to help visitors have access to key information about local areas as they travel through the country. “Throughout their journey, Skoot is designed to keep tourists engaged with both local information and relevant promotions – served by audio and digital display feeds,” says Skoot chief executive Hayden Braddock. Read more.
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