ITC Industry News Bulletin #66
In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealanders are invited to vote for their favourite travel experience, government funding is now open for tourism initiatives, and more.
TOP STORIES
Kiwis given the chance to vote on their favourite tourism experience
Most tourism awards in New Zealand are voted on by panels or overseas visitors, but now Kiwis will be given a chance to vote on their favourite experiences throughout the country as a new part of the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2016. As a bonus, all voters for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ will go in the draw to win a holiday.
There are 14 finalists around the country that New Zealanders can pick from to place their votes. These include NZSki, Rainbow’s End, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Auckland Seaplanes, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and more.
TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said that every single one of the finalists offers an “outstanding experience for Kiwis and international visitors alike”.
“The ‘People’s Choice Award’ also highlights the importance of domestic tourism in New Zealand,” he added.
Tourism Growth Partnership opens fifth round of annual funding
Each year, the Tourism Growth Partnership awards $8 million in funding for innovation and productivity in the international tourism sector. Prime Minister John Key, who is also the Minister for Tourism, has announced that the fifth round of funding through this scheme is now open.
This means that applicants can make a case for the grants, provided they use the funds to boost the tourism trade. Mr Key explained that half of the allotment will go towards regional projects, and the other half will be invested in tourism schemes that “enhance productivity and extend the visitor season”.
“Part of the government’s tourism strategy is to ensure all parts of New Zealand benefit from this growth which is why half this funding is specifically targeted at the regions,” Mr Key explained.
IN BRIEF
Christchurch’s tourism industry set for a come back
It’s been six years since Christchurch’s first major earthquake, and the city is showing real signs of a tourism come back. The city currently holds 7.8 per cent of New Zealand’s visitor spend, and is not far off the pre-quake share of 9.2 per cent. Read more
Wellington Tuk Tuk start-up hits speed bump
Capital city entrepreneurs Glen Varcoe and Jeremy Marr have been trying to set up a Tuk Tuk business in Wellington for six months, but have been facing road blocks from the New Zealand Transport Association. If and when the pair get approval, they hope to offer tourists an alternative method of travel in downtown Wellington. Read more
New Zealand spas winning top honours in international awards
Sky City’s East Day Spa in Auckland, and Spring Spa, which operates in Auckland, Queenstown and Wellington, have both been recognised in the prestigious World Spa Awards. On top of these individual wins, New Zealand was honoured as the best overall spa destination in Oceania. Read more
New China connection to add $102 million to tourism industry
Chinese air carrier Tianjin Airlines will launch flights from Chongqing and Tianjin to Auckland from December this year. The revenue is estimated to add $102 million to New Zealand’s booming tourism industry. Read more
Christchurch Airport a major winner in tourism boom
As the gateway to the South Island’s countless tourism attractions, Christchurch Airport is winning big with an operating profit of $103 million in its financial year ending June. This has resulted in at least $180 million of economic activity through tourism. Read more
Gisborne expecting a $4 million-dollar cruise season
Cruise New Zealand has released its latest economic impact report, and is predicting a bumper season for Gisborne cruising with a $4 million expected tourism spend. Visitor numbers are predicted to increase by nearly 5,000, which should see a full extra million spent compared to last season. Read more
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