ITC Industry News Bulletin #42
In this week’s NZ airline, travel and tourism news, the TIA highlights the importance of protected marine areas to NZ tourism, Air New Zealand explores biofuel options and much more.
TOP STORIES
Opportunity for marine tourism to benefit NZ
The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) is highlighting the potential benefits ‘marine tourism’ could bring to New Zealand.
In a submission to the Ministry for the Environment, the TIA is calling for the government to consider tourism when making decisions about marine protected areas.
“Tourism operators such as whale watch operators, seal swimming operators, diving and snorkelling operators, kayak operators and recreational fishing charters have strong links and interests in marine protected areas,” says TIA chief executive Chris Roberts.
Mr Roberts added that new marine protected areas could “support the tourism industry’s Tourism 2025 goal of growing total annual tourism revenue to $41 billion over the next decade”.
Air NZ and Virgin Australia launch search for biofuel opps
Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand are working together to explore new aviation biofuel opportunities, it was announced this week (Monday 14 March).
David Morgan, Air New Zealand’s Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer Captain, hopes this partnership will uncover local biofuel options.
“By working in partnership with our alliance partner Virgin Australia we hope we can stimulate the local market, drive innovation and investment and potentially uncover a sustainable biofuel supply suitable for our respective operations,” Captain Morgan said.
This announcement comes as Air New Zealand also commits to phasing out some of its ground fleet for electric models (see below).
IN BRIEF
Entries open for NZ’s premier Hotel Industry Awards
The New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards are officially open. Created to celebrate excellence in the hotel sector, this year’s awards feature several new categories. Read more.
New Zealanders among world’s happiest people
According to the World Happiness Report, New Zealand is currently ranked as the 8th happiest country in the world. Those who round up the top eight are nearly all Scandinavian countries, with the exception of Canada in 6th place. Read more.
Air New Zealand electrifies ground fleet
The petrol vehicles in Air New Zealand’s ground fleet are being phased out in favour of electric models, the airline has announced. Chief executive Christopher Luxon said this move aligns with Air New Zealand’s goal of “taking a leadership position in carbon management and reducing our emissions”. Read more.
DOC wants to see more use of back country huts
The Department of Conservation (DOC) would like trampers, hunters and other back-country hut users to let them know how often they are making the most of these facilities. If exact numbers can’t be proved, there’s a risk some huts may be closed down. “The reality is that if people aren’t seen to be using the huts we could lose them,” says DOC’s South Westland Operations Manager Wayne Costello. Read more.
Lions tour drawing UK visitors to NZ
Around 15,000 rugby fans from the UK are expected to make their way to New Zealand for the Lions Rugby Tour in mid-2017. The tournament lasts six weeks and is scheduled to kick off in June. Read more.
[St Patrick’s Day special] Happy St Patrick’s Day from the Irish who call NZ home
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This fascinating piece about Irish people living in New Zealand is the perfect article to read over your lunch break. Enjoy! Read more.
Posted in News, Travel and Tourism News | Tagged Air New Zealand, marine tourism, New Zealand, New Zealand tourism news, New Zealand travel news, TIA | Leave a reply