ITC Industry News Bulletin #68
In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, winter visitor arrivals reach record highs, the Air New Zealand 75 Years exhibition opens in Christchurch, and much more.
TOP STORIES
Winter warmed by highest holiday visitors on record
Another week, another tourism record! It’s been a cracker winter for the New Zealand tourism sector. Just under 317,000 international holidaymakers visited in winter – a huge jump from 268,272 in 2015.
One market showed particularly significant growth – American visitors increased by 52 per cent.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler attributes this increase to new flight paths between New Zealand and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, and Houston.
“The increased flight connectivity means that New Zealand’s natural landscapes, unique visitor experiences, cuisine and world class conference facilities are now more accessible than ever to US citizens,” Mr Bowler said.
Arrivals from Australia, China and the UK are also up.
Air New Zealand’s 75th exhibition makes South Island debut
After successful stints at both Te Papa and Auckland Museum, the Air New Zealand 75 Years exhibition is now on display at Canterbury Museum in Christchurch.
Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said he’s proud to bring the exhibition to the South Island.
“Christchurch is a key gateway to the South Island for both domestic and international travellers and we’re delighted to give more people the opportunity to experience how our national airline has evolved over the years and how its stories have played a key part in the history of our country and people,” he said.
IN BRIEF
More and more Kiwis are flocking to China
It’s no secret that many Chinese tourists are flocking to New Zealand – but did you know that the traffic is flowing both ways? The number of Kiwis travelling to China increased by 10 per cent during the year ending May 2016. Read more.
World still buzzing about New Zealand Open
The New Zealand Open generated considerable international media interest, with Tourism New Zealand putting the estimated value of coverage at over $1 million NZD. General Manager of PR and Events, Rebecca Ingram, says “the Open gave us the opportunity to show the world the varied golfing experience New Zealand offers”. Read more.
New Zealand a world-leading adventure destination
Many people refer to New Zealand as the “adventure capital of the world”, and this label has been all but confirmed by the 2016 Adventure Tourism Development Index. We’re the top adventure destination in Asia-Pacific, and the 3rd destination worldwide. Read more.
Tourism body floats idea for more user pays DOC charges for NZ outdoors
Tourism Industry Aotearoa is calling for a national debate around DOC charges, believing there could be more opportunity to charge people for the use of natural attractions. “This is not about stopping the ‘free and unfettered’ access that is enshrined in the Conservation Act, but providing the Department of Conservation with the tools to collect revenue to maintain and enhance the facilities it provides,” says chief executive Chris Roberts. Read more.
Tourism main job opportunity for West Coast
As New Zealand’s tourism industry grows, so do job opportunities – not just in the main city centres, but throughout the country. New research from the West Coast of the South Island – the Tai Poutini West Coast Regional Growth Study – has identified tourism as the main opportunity for employment. Read more.
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