ITC Industry News Bulletin #41
In this week’s NZ airline, travel and tourism news, the countdown until TRENZ 2016 is on, a leading property expert calls for more hotels to be developed and much more.
TOP STORIES
International travel buyers flock to TRENZ 2016
TRENZ 2016 is set to welcome the highest number of international travel buyers since 2007: a total of 356 from nearly 30 different markets. Interest in this conference – which will be held in Rotorua between May 10 and 13 – is soaring.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said this is “excellent news for the industry” and that TRENZ is a highlight of NZ tourism’s calendar.
“With 300 operators from New Zealand coming face to face with international buyers, showcasing the best that New Zealand can offer, TRENZ is the pinnacle event of the year for the travel trade,” Mr Bowler added.
“I am really looking forward to attending TRENZ again for what’s shaping up to be a highly successful four days for buyers and the industry alike.”
Big increase in hotel sales prompts call for incentives to build more
New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry has sent the hotel real estate market soaring, with 11 major hotels around the country sold over the past year.
According to Dean Humphries, the national director of Colliers International’s hotel division, more needs to be done to encourage the construction of new hotels.
He told the NZ Herald he believes two sites in Auckland are ripe for development.
“If you look at Queen’s Wharf or the Aotea Centre where the old Auckland City Council building is, they are two sites that could potentially be earmarked for hotel development,” Mr Humphries said.
The construction of new hotels would generate more jobs, as well as accommodate for the increased influx of tourists into Auckland.
IN BRIEF
Festival organisers delighted with public response to New Zealand Festival
The 2016 New Zealand Festival, held in Wellington, is shaping up to be a stellar event, with ticket sales on their way to reaching around 95,000. Read more.
New Zealand among highest average hotel room price rises
Hotel room rates in New Zealand increased exponentially in 2015, according to new data from Hotels.com. Read more.
Air NZ offers free upgrades… but there’s a catch
If you happen to be travelling from London to LA next month, you might be able to secure yourself a free upgrade. The only catch? You need to be looking your Sunday best! To celebrate Los Angeles Fashion Week, a stylist will be roaming terminals at Heathrow and giving out upgrades to stylish passengers. Read more.
Hyatt’s new $200m hotel ready for 2018
The new five-star Hyatt Park hotel in Auckland is set to open its doors in 2018 – just in time to accommodate what Prime Minister John Key predicts will be a significant increase in Chinese tourists. Read more.
Tourists flexed their credit cards more in NZ last month, led by Australians, Brits
According to new data, tourists seem to be spending up a storm in New Zealand on their credit cards, with Australia’s leading the way, followed by Brits and Americans. Read more.
Amazing video shows eclipse from plane
Some fun news to wrap up this week’s bulletin: check out this stunning video which captured a solar eclipse from a plane. Read more.
Posted in News, Travel and Tourism News | Tagged Air New Zealand, hotel development, New Zealand Festival, Rotorua, Tourism News, TRENZ 2016 | Leave a reply