ITC Industry News Bulletin #8
Once again, this week’s tourism news is incredibly positive, even as we head into the winter months.
TOP STORIES
New Zealand favourite film destination
According to a study by the HBO television network (Game of Thrones, The Wire, etc.), New Zealand is the most popular film destination in the world. This is largely thanks to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said ‘film tourism’ continues to be a strong aspect of New Zealand’s marketing strategy.
“We have continuing interest from film makers wanting to use New Zealand as their backdrop and we are confident our role of film tourism is going to keep us top of mind for those people wanting to live the dream and visit their favourite film locations,” Mr Bowler said in a statement.
Air NZ commits to five year All Blacks sponsorship
We can expect to see Air New Zealand’s black ‘Crazy About Rugby’ planes lining the sky for at least 5 more years, with the airline having extended All Blacks sponsorship through to 2020. Under the revised agreement, Air New Zealand will be known as ‘the Official Airline of the All Blacks and the All Blacks Sevens’.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew looks forward to the airline’s continued support. “The airline has been instrumental in not only getting the All Blacks to Tests, but also connecting the team to more fans around the world through its clever marketing campaigns, charter flights and special community events,” Mr Tew said.
IATA: Strong traffic growth continues in May
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported strong global passenger traffic results for the month of May. International passenger demand has increased by 7.1 per cent from May 2014.
IATA chief executive Tony Tyler took this opportunity to acknowledge the millions of air professionals around the world who work hard to ensure services run smoothly. “The mobility that is taken for granted by these travellers is the result of the efforts of 2.5 million air transport professionals working in careful cooperation to ensure safe journeys,” Mr Tyler said in a statement.
IN BRIEF
Saddle up: Auckland Harbour Bridge to change as SkyPath gets go ahead
In case you missed it last Friday, SkyPath has been granted resource consent. The pathway will be open to cyclists and pedestrians and will no doubt be a popular promenade for tourists. Read more.
Indian travellers choose New Zealand for adventure
New Zealand won the title of ‘Best International Destination for Adventure’ at the Lonely Planet Magazine India Awards, held on 22 June 2015. Tourism New Zealand’s regional manager for South and South East Asia, Steven Dixon, says this confirms that the Indian market has ‘strong awareness’ of New Zealand’s adventure tourism opportunities. Read more.
TIA: New foreign investment strategy will support tourism growth
The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) has expressed support for the Government’s new foreign investment strategy. TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said: “A more proactive government-led strategy to attract private investment is long overdue.” Read more.
Tourism New Zealand expands in US luxury sector
Tourism New Zealand has signed a partnership with a leading American luxury travel organisation called the Signature Travel Network. According to Murray McCaw, the Chair of Luxury Lodges of New Zealand, “the Signature Travel Network is one of the key sources of businesses for luxury lodges”. He is confident this partnership will help to attract more travellers from this lucrative markert. Read more.
Posted in News | Tagged Adventure Tourism, Air New Zealand, All Blacks, film tourism, IATA, Lonely Planet, luxury travel, SkyPath, Tourism, Travel | Leave a reply