ITC Industry News Bulletin #52
In this week’s New Zealand tourism and travel news, the country is breaking records for tourism spend, the cruise industry is going from strength to strength, migration is on the rise, and much more.
TOP STORIES
International tourism spend tops $10 billion for the first time
Tourism New Zealand recently announced that spending from international visitors has now surpassed $10 billion for the first time ever.
Arrivals from the USA, India and China have all bolstered these numbers, which are up for the year ending April by 10.6, 11.4 and 29.2 per cent respectively. There have also been more arrivals from the UK and Germany, while Australia remains in first place with the most arrivals, which continue to grow steadily.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler was excited by the news.
“To see this level of growth in off-peak arrivals is exceptionally good news for the industry – by extending the traditional peak season it enhances employment opportunities and the value growth is bringing significant economic benefit to the country,” he explained.
Research shows the need for 26 new hotels around NZ
Ministers Steven Joyce and Paula Bennett recently released research outlining a looming accommodation shortage in New Zealand. According to the data, New Zealand will need 26 additional hotels on top of what is already planned within the next 10 years to keep up with visitor numbers.
The report is intended to encourage new private investment in the country’s hotels, as it’s “the first time we’ve had quantified data on the effect that the tourism growth projections will have on hotel occupancy”, explained Mr Joyce.
For example, the data shows that if supply and demand estimates in the main centres of Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland are accurate, there will be a shortfall of more than 4,500 hotel rooms by 2025.
IN BRIEF
New Zealand a top performer for cruise numbers
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) yesterday announced New Zealand’s record-breaking stats for cruising. A record 66,152 Kiwis took cruise holidays in 2015, making it just one of three international cruise passenger markets to show double-digit increases in 2015. Read more
Migration figures in NZ reach new highs
In the 12 months through to April, migrant arrivals in New Zealand hit 124,700 – an increase of 9 per cent. While these numbers have been on the up and up, economists are predicting that the boom may soon stabilise. Read more
Blenheim considers changing its name
Blenheim is in the heart of the winegrowing region in the upper South Island, which is why a group of business people have suggested a name change to ‘Marlborough City’ to help international visitors recognise the location. Read more
Auckland wins top spot on international awards list
In Chicago Line Cruises’ list of the best cities in the world on the water, Auckland placed in the number one spot. The ranking is decided based on both the local quality of life, and information about tourist traffic. Read more
Rotorua’s Agrodome is already a major attraction, but it just gained two new stars with the addition of three new Clydesdale horses – Cid, Egon and Jon Boy. The trio used to pull carriages on the streets of Devonport Village in Auckland, but will soon be making the move to the farm. Read more
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