ITC Industry News Bulletin #31
In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, luxury tourism spend is on the rise and Air New Zealand launches a new initiative to benefit school children.
TOP STORIES
NZ Luxury Lodge data confirms strong sector growth
According to new data from members of Luxury Lodges of New Zealand, spending on luxury accommodation increased between April and September of this year.
Director of Trade, PR and Major Events at Tourism New Zealand, Rene de Monchy, said it was great to see the luxury sector was performing well.
“Seeing such strong growth in the industry over winter is absolutely fantastic and proof that the sector is progressing as strongly as we thought,” Mr de Monchy said.
He added that targeting luxury travellers has been a key focus for Tourism New Zealand this year.
“The results follow significant work from our premium sector team… Since 1 July the premium team have attended six major international trade events, hosted six famils and four media files in New Zealand, and we have a full calendar of activity planned for the coming six months.”
New Air New Zealand initiative to give back to schools
Some schools may soon be able to use Air New Zealand Airpoints to fund educational travel, thanks to a new initiative by the airline and the Ministry of Education. Air New Zealand will soon allow Airpoints members to donate up to 10,000 Airpoints Dollars to select schools.
Chief executive Christopher Luxon says this project “will benefit schools, students and the community by providing opportunities to gain experiences, knowledge or inspiration”.
It will also give Airpoints members more freedom over what they do with their dollars.
“We’re offering our Airpoints customers another option for redeeming their Airpoints Dollars, by allowing them to pay forward the benefits they get from being a loyal Air New Zealand customer, or to put their soon to expire Airpoints Dollars to a good cause.”
In order to participate in this program, schools will have to make an application to Air New Zealand outlining why they are deserving of this support.
IN BRIEF
[Tourism New Zealand]: 2015 – The Year in Review
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler looks back at the last 12 months. This is a must-read for anyone who’s interested in a succinct overview of 2015’s tourism trends – it’s been a huge year. Read more.
Air NZ’s new Houston route will bring more trade, tourism: US Ambassador
America’s Ambassador to New Zealand, Mark Gilbert, believes the new Air New Zealand service to Houston will open up exciting new trade and tourism opportunities. Read more.
Southland tourism figures continue to climb
The number of guest nights in Southland are increasing at a steady pace, new statistics reveal. Read more.
YHA commits to Auckland Youth Employment
YHA Auckland has signed the Mayor’s Youth Employer Pledge Scheme. This initiative connects employers with young professionals. Read more.
Hertz New Zealand named leading car rental company
Travel Digest readers have named Hertz as the leading car rental company in the country in the magazine’s Travel Industry Awards. Read more.
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