ITC Industry News Bulletin #53
This week’s airline, travel and tourism news includes a fallout over budget cuts, changes to regional flight routes, funding for new attractions, and more.
TOP STORIES
TIA ‘dismayed’ by funding cuts
The latest New Zealand budget has just been announced, and it includes a cut to the funding for the Department of Conservation (DOC). In the last budget, just over $378 million was set aside for DOC expenditures, while the 2016/17 plan has dropped to almost $345 million.
The TIA is ‘dismayed’ by this move, which sees funding drop by almost 10 per cent. Chief Executive Chris Roberts is concerned about how these cuts might impact the tourism sector.
“DOC has two core functions. The first is protecting our natural heritage – our indigenous species and the habitats and ecosystems that support them. The second is facilitating recreation and tourism, so that New Zealanders and our visitors are enriched by outdoor experiences,” he explained.
Regional air routes set for a shake up
Last week, Air New Zealand announced adjustments to its regional schedule, removing flights between Blenheim and Christchurch, and Auckland and Whanganui, due to low demand on these routes.
However, Sounds Air, a small airline with just eight planes, has suggested that it may fill the gap for travellers looking to fly between Blenheim and Christchurch. Sounds Air has already adopted old Air NZ routes including those between Taupo and Wellington, and some in and out of Westport.
The decision is not final at this stage, but Sounds Air managing director Andrew Crawford has said that should the route go ahead, it would operate twice daily or more.
IN BRIEF
Christchurch gets new ‘escape’ attraction
Christchurch CBD has a new attraction, and it’s one that people will be lining up to get into – just so they can get out again. The ‘Crate Escape’ is a shipping container set up as a room full of clues that you have to unravel if you want to get out. Read more
Mysterious thrill-ride gets new funding
For the past 18 months, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been working on a new thrill-ride in adventure capital Queenstown, but are still unable to share any details about what it might involve. However, the ride has just received a bonus of $500,000 from the government to help develop the attraction. Read more
Auckland photographer captures exquisite glow worm photos
Aucklander Shaun Jeffers is making international headlines with his incredible photos taken of the glow worms at the Waitomo Caves recently. Notoriously hard to capture on film, the worms are one of the country’s premier attractions and are unique to New Zealand. Read more
Mt Hutt receives hefty snowfalls
While the rest of the country shivers, South Island ski fields have been celebrating the arrival of major snowfalls. Mt Hutt received 35cm in an overnight snowstorm, and expects more to come, promising a fantastic opening day to the season on June 10. Read more
Southern Heritage Trust wins funding
The Southern Heritage Trust has won a $4,000 grant to recognise Dunedin’s industrial past in the upcoming 2016 Heritage Festival. Held over the last weekend of October, the festival will celebrate the region’s rich history. Read more
Posted in News, Travel and Tourism News | Tagged Air New Zealand, AJ Hackett, Christchurch, ski season, TIA | Leave a reply