ITC Industry News Bulletin #16

Aviation news is dominating the headlines this week, with Jetstar announcing new regional flight routes and China Southern Airlines unveiling additional flights to the South Island.

TOP STORIES

New air services boost regional economies

New Jetstar flights to Nelson, Napier, New Plymouth and Palmerston North are expected to have a positive impact on regional economies, according to Tourism Industry Association chief executive Chris Roberts.

“We support their approach of building up a sustainable network that will encourage visitors to get off the beaten track and see more of New Zealand,” Mr Roberts said in a press release on Monday.

The new flights are also expected to boost domestic tourism.

“New Zealanders travelling within their own country contribute $37 million in economic activity every day. Offering them more good value options for flights will definitely boost that spending,” Mr Roberts added.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #15

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealand surpasses 3 million annual overseas visitors, new Easter Sunday trading laws announced, Air NZ reports record growth and much more.

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Overseas visitors hit 3 million milestone

The number of overseas visitors to New Zealand surpassed 3 million for the first time ever late last week, Statistics New Zealand revealed. From July 2014 to July 2015, a record-breaking 3,002,982 visitors entered the country – a 7 per cent increase from the year before.

Statistics New Zealand population statistics senior manager Vina Callum said increased arrivals from markets such as Australia and China helped achieve this important milestone.

For more coverage about this milestone, and how it relates to the Tourism 2025 goals, see these statements from the Tourism Industry Association and Tourism New Zealand.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #14

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news: Air New Zealand’s safety video goes viral, beautiful South Island landscapes attract global attention, regional centres continue to report tourism growth, and more.

TOP STORIES

Air New Zealand Men in Black Safety Defenders a crowd pleaser

Last week Air New Zealand released a brilliant new safety video, ‘Men in Black Safety Defenders’, featuring several high profile All Blacks, coach Steve Hansen and singer Stan Walker. To say this video went viral would be an understatement; more than 12.9 million online views were recorded in its first four days, and the video has been shared by major global news outlets including Time.com and The Telegraph.

“It’s been fantastic seeing the reaction to Men in Black Safety Defenders both online and from the feedback we’ve received from customers,” says Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand Head of Global Development.

“We have been a longstanding supporter of the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby and it’s been great for us to be able to release this latest video and show our support for the team.”

Way to go Air New Zealand!

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #13

Bringing you the latest news from the Airline, Airport, Travel and Tourism industries

TOP STORIES

All Blacks to build ‘experience’ attraction on Auckland waterfront

New Zealand Rugby is building an interactive All Blacks attraction in Wynyard Quarter. Called ‘The All Blacks Experience’, this attraction will offer rugby-loving tourists the chance to learn more about how the sport is played in New Zealand, and is scheduled to open in 2017.

According to Steve Tew, New Zealand Rugby chief executive, this attraction fills a gap in the market and will draw substantial interest.

“Our research shows there is a real demand for an all-weather attraction like this on Auckland’s waterfront serving international and domestic visitors as well as Auckland locals,” Steve said.

“With tourism numbers growing rapidly, the business case stacks up strongly.”

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #10

In this week’s bulletin, the tourism industry continues to go from strength to strength, with some economists even hinting it could soon take over dairy as the New Zealand’s largest exporter

TOP STORIES

Visitor arrivals at a record high for the month of June

New Zealand is one step closer to reaching its target of 3 million annual arrivals, thanks to a record-breaking June.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said in a statement: “This month’s annual arrivals, at 2.99 million show we are just short of reaching an annual arrivals figure of three million visitors, which is good news for all New Zealanders. It means more jobs and economic value, not just in the peak summer period but with benefits felt throughout the year.”

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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.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #7

In this week’s Industry News Bulletin, New Zealand has been named one of the most peaceful countries in the world – yet another great selling point for the tourism industry

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NZ makes top 5 peaceful countries

New Zealand is the fourth most peaceful country in the world, according to the latest Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics & Peace. This places us just behind Iceland, Denmark and Austria. Yet another reason why New Zealand is such a fantastic tourism destination! (more…)

ITC Industry News Bulletin #5

In this week’s Industry News Bulletin, Jetstar announces new flights, Air New Zealand cleans up at the Paris Air Show Awards and the cruise industry is going from strength to strength

TOP STORIES

New air services a boost for tourism

Jetstar today announced it will add new flights to at least four regional New Zealand destinations. The Tourism Industry Association believes this will have a positive impact on New Zealand tourism, making it easier for people to access remote areas of the country. “Offering them [tourists] more good value options for flights will definitely boost that spending,” said TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts.  (more…)

ITC Industry News Bulletin #4

In this week’s industry news another air deal looks to improve flights to and from New Zealand and local businesses do incredibly well in the TripAdvisor Awards

TOP STORIES

NZ surges ahead in TripAdvisor awards

More than 3,000 New Zealand tourism businesses have been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor in 2015. This is a 76 per cent increase from last year – an amazing achievement and a true testament to the quality of tourism providers around the country. Well done New Zealand! (more…)

ITC Industry News Bulletin #3

In this week’s industry news round-up we share stories about Wellington Airport, Air New Zealand and more

TOP STORIES

NZ signs air deal with Greece

Air New Zealand has signed an agreement with Greece which will make it easier for Kiwis to travel to this beautiful country.  The agreement will allow airlines to cooperate and provide travellers with a single ticket involving a number of carriers. New Zealand Transport Minister Simon Bridges said further flight agreements may also be on the cards. (more…)