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Business digest: NZ Tourism Awards return for 2021
Bay of Plenty Times, 21 June 2021
Entries are now open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards, returning for 2021 to showcase and celebrate the tourism industry's individual and business successes.
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Tourism gongs back after Covid pause
Mountain Scene, 19 June 2021
Nominations are open for the 2021 New Zealand Tourism Awards which are returning after a Covid-caused hiatus last year.
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Museums Aotearoa executive director quits days out from annual meeting
Stuff, 18 June 2021
The executive director of Museums Aotearoa has quit a week out from the national organisation’s annual meeting, and two months after its entire board also resigned.
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Taupō, in the middle of the North Island, is at the epicentre of a tourism jobs crunch.
NZ Herald Premium, 18 June 2021
Taupō, in the middle of the North Island, is at the epicentre of a tourism jobs crunch.
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Northland tourism operators excited for return of New Zealand Tourism Awards
NZ Herald Premium, 17 June 2021
After a 2020 hiatus due to Covid-19, the New Zealand Tourism Awards are returning this year to celebrate the tourism industry's individual and business successes.
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Young travellers and the re-imagination of tourism
Mountain Scene, 15 June 2021
I love Italy, and have returned no less than five times in the 20-plus years since first isiting as a 24-year-old in the 1990s.
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Covid-19 coronavirus: Travel costs up - how Customs, Ministry for Primary Industries will fill $186m hole in their budgets -
NZ Herald Premium, 11 June 2021
The price of travel is going to rise - get used to it.
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Tourism Industry alarmed by proposed border processing levy changes
Newstalk ZB, 9 June 2021
There are concerns over proposals to hike border processing levies.
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Higher border charges for international tourists 'troubling', industry says
Stuff, 9 June 2021
New proposals which could result in a massive hike in charges for all travellers entering New Zealand are extremely troubling and should not go ahead, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.
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Higher border charges for international tourists 'troubling', industry says
Stuff, 9 June 2021
New proposals which could result in a massive hike in charges for all travellers entering New Zealand are extremely troubling and should not go ahead, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.
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Tourism not as confident as Treasury on border reopening
RNZ, 4 June 2021
The tourism industry doesn't share the same confidence as Treasury forecasts, when it comes to reopening the border.
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A year of selling New Zealand to New Zealanders: has the tourism campaign worked?
Stuff, 30 May 2021
Nikki Horne isn’t sure when she would have got around to travelling New Zealand by campervan if it hadn’t been for the pandemic.
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Melbourne lockdown: Trans-Tasman tourism shouldn't suffer as a result, experts say
Stuff, 27 May 2021
A seven-day lockdown in the Australian state of Victoria is the biggest disruption to the trans-Tasman bubble to date but it shouldn’t have much of an impact on tourism between the two countries, industry experts say.
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Tourism sector looks at alternatives to bed tax
Wanaka App, 27 May 2021
The tourism sector is exploring new ways to fund tourism infrastructure as alternatives to the bed tax being pursued by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) as a revenue stream.
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Trans-Tasman tax: Flying to Gold Coast instead of Brisbane could save you hundreds
Newshub, 27 May 2021
If you're keen on travelling within the Tasman bubble but feel the airfares aren't quite affordable enough yet, switching which airport you land at could save you hundreds.
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Council continues push for bed tax
Wanaka App, 24 May 2021
The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) continues to plan for a local bed tax, despite opposition from accommodation providers and tourism minister Stuart Nash making it clear that bed tax is not on the government’s agenda.
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Budget 2021 - Covid 19 coronavirus: Tourism welcomes 'significant' border opening hint
NZ Herald Premium, 21 May 2021
The New Zealand tourism industry, struggling to survive since Covid-19 choked inbound visitor numbers, has welcomed a hint in today's Budget that the country's border will open significantly at the beginning of next year.
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Tourism industry representative on immigration changes
Radio NZ, 18 May 2021
The government has tourism in its sights as it embarks on what it calls a once-in-a generation reset of the immigration system.
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Chris Roberts: Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO
The AM Show, 6 May 2021
Discussions about the future of New Zealand tourism have been underway in Christchurch. Chris Roberts, Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO came on The AM Show to discuss further with the team.
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Covid-19: Frontline tourism workers urged to get vaccinated
Stuff, 7 May 2021
Tourism businesses are being urged to get frontline workers vaccinated against Covid-19, but operators are unsure where they stand legally if staff refuse.
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Multimillion-dollar tourism support package a 'lifeline' for the South Island
Stuff, 6 May 2021
A $200 million South Island tourism package is being labelled a lifeline for struggling communities.
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New Zealand to spend millions weaning holiday towns off international tourism
The Guardian, 6 May 2021
Tourism minister says overcrowded sites such as Milford Sound-Piopiotahi ‘cannot return to its pre-Covid state’.
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$200m for tourism industry rebuild
Radio NZ, 6 May 2021
The government's outlined a 200 million dollar plan to reset and rebuild the tourism industry.
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Tourism Minister unveils $200m recovery package for embattled sector
NBR, 6 May 2021
The package includes a $49m ‘kick-start’ fund for the Southland region.
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Tourism leader says industry must become sustainable
Radio NZ, 6 May 2021
The Minister of Tourism, Stuart Nash, has announced a 200-million dollar support plan for the Covid-impacted tourism sector at the annual tourism industry conference in Otautahi Christchurch today.
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New Zealanders' travel anxiety worse than others, says report
NZ Herald, 6 May 2021
Reports that Australian tourists were more ready to hop on a transtasman flight than Kiwis confirmed a feeling that New Zealanders have some hesitancy towards overseas travel.
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Lifeline: Tourism groups welcome funding announcement from minister Stuart Nash
NZ Herald Premium, 6 May 2021
Inbound operators in the ravaged tourism sector have welcomed government funding announcements.
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Covid 19 coronavirus: Government unveils $200m tourism package to help struggling operators
NZ Herald, 6 May 2021
The Government has unveiled a $200 million support package for hard-hit tourism players to ensure their long-term transformation and, ultimately, their survival.
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Full video: Money to go to tourism areas hardest hit by Covid
1Newsnow, 6 May 2021
Minister Stuart Nash to announce support for the five communities hardest hit by the Covid tourism downturn.
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Tourism businesses have a hard road ahead to rebuild workforce
Newstalk ZB, 6 May 2021
There have been grim findings from a new tourism survey.
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Millions in grants to diversify Queenstown, Milford economies
Otago Daily Times, 6 May 2021
A $20 million fund to support the Queenstown Lakes District’s economic diversification and a $15m fund to help the Milford Opportunities Project transform and protect Milford Sound have been announced by Tourism Minister Stuart Nash this morning.
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Tourism Industry Aotearoa survey: 4 out of every 10 tourism jobs lost
NZ Herald, 5 May 2021
Four out of every 10 tourism jobs in New Zealand were lost over the past year, a survey has found.
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Tourism operators to take stock at two-day annual meeting
Radio NZ, 5 May 2021
More than a year after the biggest crisis the tourist industry has ever faced, operators from around the country will gather in Christchurch to tackle where to now for the sector.
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Cook Islands bubble: Negative for NZ tourism, positive for NZ wellbeing
Stuff, 3 May 2021
New Zealand’s tourism industry has expressed support for the upcoming travel bubble with the Cook Islands, even though it may take some of its business away.
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Airports, tourism levels spatial plan concerns
Otago Daily Times, 3 May 2021
Allowing airports to expand and accepting too much tourism and population growth were the main points criticised by the public in their submissions on the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s draft spatial plan.
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Travel bubble generates 'wave of positivity', Robertson says
Stuff, 2 May 2021
Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the travel bubble with Australia has generated “a wave of positivity” and is boosting confidence.
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Tourism Minister's bold call for Queenstown
Otago Daily Times, 1 May 2021
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash predicts Queenstown could enjoy a record ski season thanks to the transtasman bubble, and hints he’ll announce more measures to help the Covid-ravaged tourism industry next week.
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More travellers heading to NZ than Australia in trans-Tasman bubble
Radio NZ, 30 April 2021
The Tourism Industry says 10,000 more people have arrived in New Zealand than departed since the trans-Tasman travel bubble opened.
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PNG traveller to Brisbane tests positive for Covid 19
Radio NZ, 30 April 2021
[00:00:31] Karyn Hay speaks to Chris Roberts, the Chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
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Trans-Tasman fizzer? Sluggish start for Tasman bubble tourism
Stuff, 30 Apr 2021
A third more travellers are coming into New Zealand than going under the trans-Tasman bubble, but some in the travel sector say they are yet to see a boost in business from the relaxed border rules.
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Transtasman bubble: More Australians coming to New Zealand
NZ Herald, 29 Apr 2021
Figures show New Zealand is winning out of quarantine-free transtasman travel.
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Post-Covid travel - the only way is up
NZ Herald, 23 Apr 2021
A year ago yesterday was the first day in decades that no international passengers arrived in New Zealand.
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It's a 'momentous day' amid commencement of trans-Tasman travel bubble
Sky News, 19 April 2021
Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts says today is a "momentous day" for the tourism industries in both New Zealand and Australia, amid the official commencement of the trans-Tasman travel bubble.
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Thousands expected to fly on first day of trans-Tasman bubble
Radio NZ, 19 April 2021
[00:02:49] For Chris Roberts from Tourism Industry Aotearoa it is a momentus day.
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Trans-Tasman bubble opens: 'I'm probably going to cry'
Radio NZ, 19 April 2021
The country's international airports - including three mothballed terminals - will today be the scene of emotional family reunions.
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Transtasman bubble: Tourism Industry Aotearoa says businesses can tap into pool of young workers in Australia
New Zealand Herald Premium, 19 April 2021
Tourism Industry Aotearoa says businesses gearing up for the return of Australian visitors from next week will have access to an offshore pool of much-needed workers.
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Thousands of working holidaymakers will soon able to help struggling tourism sector
1Newsnow, 16 April 2021
There is more cause for celebration for New Zealand's struggling tourism sector as thousands of working holidaymakers will soon be able to help businesses here struggling to find staff.
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New hotel data: what Covid-19 did to occupancies, room rates
New Zealand Herald Premium, 13 April 2021
Covid drove Queenstown hotel occupancies to an average of only 33 per cent in the year to March and room rates fell steeply.
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Rod Oram: Don’t hang round waiting for Govt to lead on tourism
Newsroom, 11 April 2021
The trickle of international tourists we can expect over coming months is very welcome for the tourism sector and for our economy and society more widely. But it presents two new challenges for the sector.
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Tougher penalties possible in freedom camping crackdown
Radio NZ, 9 April 2021
Tougher penalties and fines are on the cards as part of a proposed crack down on irresponsible freedom camping. [3.50] Tourism Industry Aotearoa Cheif Executive Chris Roberts is ....
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Tourism minister Stuart Nash wants non-self contained campervans banned
Radio NZ, 9 April 2021
Tougher penalties and fines are on the cards as part of a proposed crack down on irresponsible freedom camping with plans to hike the costs for those who break the rules.
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NZ businesses ‘hanging on by their fingernails’ for Australians to return
Sky News, 7 April 2021
Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts says tourism businesses in New Zealand have been “hanging on by their fingernails” for Australians to return to the country.
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COVID-19: New Zealand to open travel bubble with Australia - but carries 'flyer beware' warning
Sky News, 7 April 2021
The move will come comes as a relief to families separated by the coronavirus pandemic as well as to hard-hit tourist companies.
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Ardern starts billion-dollar tourism sales pitch to Australians ahead of trans-Tasman bubble
1Newsnow, 8 April 2021
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will begin a billion-dollar sales pitch to Australians today, hoping for a big flow of visitors once the trans-Tasman bubble opens.
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Ardern starts billion-dollar tourism sales pitch to Australians ahead of trans-Tasman bubble
1Newsnow, 7 April 2021
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will begin a billion-dollar sales pitch to Australians today, hoping for a big flow of visitors once the trans-Tasman bubble opens.
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New Zealand-Australia transtasman travel bubble: PM Jacinda Ardern begins hard sales pitch to woo Aussies
Rotorua Daily Post, 7 April 2021
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has already begun her hard sales pitch to Aussies, promoting New Zealand to Australians as a "safe place to bring your family to visit".
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New Zealand reciprocates quarantine free travel with Australia
Radio NZ, 6 April 2021
Two-way quarantine free travel is poised to begin in less than a fortnight between New Zealand and Australia after months of delay. Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Chris Roberts will talk about the impact of today's announcement on New Zealand's tourism businesses and the wider economy.
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PM announces trans-Tasman bubble start date - April 19
NBR, 6 April 2021
Tourism operators are already planning a hiring spree on the back of the news.
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Trans-Tasman bubble: Businesses say travel announcement will save thousands of jobs
Newshub, 6 April 2021
Towns and businesses that depend on international tourists say today's announcement will save thousands of jobs.
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Trans-Tasman bubble: Timing of opening could hurt some regions, economist says
Stuff, 6 April 2021
A travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia will highlight labour shortages and could leave some regions worse off than when borders were closed, an economist says.
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Some details to iron out on trans-Tasman bubble still
Radio NZ, 6 April 2021
The Government will today announce when the country will begin a long anticipated trans-Tasman bubble with Australia. [2.00] Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Chris Roberts says...
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Trans-Tasman bubble: New Zealanders 'hurting' to get home as travel bubble date set to be announced
Stuff, 6 April 2021
Today’s the day. At 4pm, we find out when the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand will be launched.
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Trans-Tasman bubble: Tourism industry hopeful as announcement due
Radio NZ, 6 April 2021
The government will today announce when the country will begin a long anticipated trans-Tasman bubble with Australia.
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'We're ready': Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson heading into trans-Tasman bubble decision with confidence
Stuff, 6 April 2021
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says the country is in a "good place" as Cabinet prepares to decide when a quarantine free trans-Tasman travel bubble should open.
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Minister shuts down Tourism Taskforce after releasing 'bold' draft report
The Press, 26 March 2021
A keenly awaited tourism report proposes bold new regulation of the sector but has been cut short from achieving its goals by the Tourism Minister.
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Grant Bradley: Transtasman bubble - The $1 billion prize to help keep tourism afloat
New Zealand Herald Premium, 26 March 2021
The tourism industry's frustration at a further delay in announcing the start of a transtasman bubble is understandable.
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Jacinda Ardern could announce a starting date for Cook Islands travel bubble today
New Zealand Herald, 26 March 2021
A two-way quarantine-free travel bubble with the Cook Islands may be announced today but only if the health response there is up to scratch.
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Domestic tourism: The biggest winners and losers a year after the Covid-19 pandemic closed borders
Stuff, 25 March 2021
A year after New Zealand’s borders were closed to overseas visitors, our hardest hit regions are still reeling.
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NZ opposition, tourism industry hit out
AAP, 23 March 2021
New Zealand's tourism industry and opposition have lashed Jacinda Ardern for another trans-Tasman bubble delay.
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Kiwis' hopes, fears shared over trans-Tasman bubble announcement
Stuff, 23 March 2021
New Zealanders have expressed newfound hope and compounded fears over news that a trans-Tasman bubble date will be announced early next month.
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Trans-Tasman travel bubble: More time needed to sort out complexities, Ardern says
Radio NZ, 23 March 2021
More time is needed to nail down the final details of the trans-Tasman travel bubble, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, so when government announces a date, people have certainty.
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Tourism operators dismayed as trans-Tasman bubble delayed again
Newstalk ZB, 23 March 2021
Tourism operators say they're in limbo, until a trans-Tasman bubble date is set in stone.
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Tourism industry desperate for trans-Tasman bubble date as Prime Minister refuses to give timeline
Newshub, 22 March 2021
The tourism industry is calling for the Government to give an exact date for when the trans-Tasman travel bubble will open.
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Date for trans-Tasman bubble announcement deferred til April 6
NBR, 22 March 2021
Despite pressure from business and travellers, the government has not yet made a call.
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Tourism disappointed over delay in trans-Tasman bubble date
The Press, 22 March 2021
Tourism businesses desperate for the much-anticipated opening of a trans-Tasman bubble face another two weeks on tenterhooks, and they are not happy about it.
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Tourism operators fume after Jacinda Ardern fails to announce trans-Tasman bubble date
Newshub, 22 March 2021
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has outlined the key details she wants in place before the trans-Tasman bubble can take off, and it will likely be on a state-by-state basis.
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Jacinda Ardern's transtasman bubble warning: Travellers could be stranded at short notice
New Zealand Herald, 22 March 2021
Kiwis in Australia could be stranded at short notice for an initial 72 hours if a community outbreak forces the transtasman travel bubble to burst.
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Covid-19: Trans-Tasman travel bubble date to be announced on April 6
Stuff, 22 March 2021
The Government will announce the date that the trans-Tasman bubble will open on April 6, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.
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Trans-Tasman travel bubble could ‘save jobs, keep businesses’
NBR, 22 March 2021
Business leaders pile on pressure for safe travel zone to be opened sooner than later.
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Covid 19 coronavirus: Higher visitor levies won't protect tourism, advocate says
New Zealand Herald, 20 March 2021
Advocates for foreign backpackers say tailoring the tourism industry to suit high-end travellers will hinder the already struggling sector.
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Higher costs for visitors won't protect tourism's future, advocate says
1Newsnow, 20 March 2021
Advocates for foreign backpackers say tailoring the tourism industry to suit high-end travellers will hinder the already struggling sector.
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NZ tourism industry calls for action to build back better
Radio NZ, 19 March 2021
Responding to the Tourism Minister's vision for the future at a gathering in Queenstown today, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says it's ready for the challenge of working with the Government. Karyn Hay speaks with Tourism Industry Aotearoa's CEO, Chris Roberts.
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Tourism operators gnash teeth over minister’s remarks
NBR, 19 March 2021
Critics of Stuart Nash say his promises of tourism relief lack crucial detail.
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‘It can’t go back to how it was’: Nash signals new shape for post Covid-19 tourism
The Spinoff, 19 March 2021
Tourism minister Stuart Nash headed to Queenstown with a little hope and a clear warning: though a travel bubble with Australia may be imminent, the industry needs to change quickly.
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'New-look' tourism sector needed post Covid-19, Tourism Minister says
Stuff, 19 March 2021
Charging Australians a visitor levy is among the options being considered to help fund assistance to New Zealand's struggling tourism industry..
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Shakeup coming for tourism industry, says Minister
Radio NZ, 19 March 2021
The Tourism Minister is promising a shakeup of the industry, with a focus on making it more environmentally and financially sustainable. [00:03:23] Tourism Industry Aotearoa says it is ready to work with the government ...
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Who benefits more from a trans-Tasman travel bubble - NZ or Australia?
Stuff, 19 March 2021
New Zealand could be the biggest beneficiary of a trans-Tasman bubble, with hopes increasingly pinned on quarantine-free travel with Australia by mid-April.
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Long-awaited travel bubble could be in place next month
Radio NZ, 18 March 2021
After months of waiting, it looks like the trans-Tasman bubble will finally happen.
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Covid 19 coronavirus: Opinion: Tourism bodies plead for transtasman bubble progress
New Zealand Herald Premium, 17 March 2021
Friday marks one year since New Zealand closed its border. This was an essential move that has kept us all safe. But it must never be forgotten that it has come at devastating personal and economic cost. Parents are separated from their children, weddings have been cancelled, people have had to watch loved ones' funerals on Zoom, and our tourism industry is on its knees.
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America's Cup venue question: Business leaders call for Team New Zealand to stay put
New Zealand Herald Premium, 17 March 2021
Reports the next America's Cup could move overseas - should Team New Zealand successfully defend it - have business leaders worried.
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Tourism boss says ‘lives and livelihoods at stake’ as trans-Tasman bubble stalled
1Newsnow, 17 March 2021
Tourism Industry Aotearoa boss Chris Roberts says it will save jobs and hundreds of businesses if the bubble were to open.
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Queenstown businesses respond to online hate: 'Please be kind'
Radio NZ, 15 March 2021
Queenstown has gone from being described as tourism's crown jewel to a community facing vitriol - and told it's getting what it deserves.
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Struggling Queenstown businesses face vitriol
Radio NZ, 15 March 2021
Queenstown has gone from being described as tourism's crown jewel to a vilified community facing vitriol - and told it's getting what it deserved. [03.55] Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said...
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Tourism industry proposing digital plans to reconnect with international buyers
Radio NZ, 14 March 2021
The country's largest annual tourism event has been transformed to help local operators prepare for the eventual return of international tourists.
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Tourism operators want DOC's $25 million concession fee waiver extended
Stuff, 14 March 2021
The Government is considering extending a commitment to waive Department of Conservation (DOC) concession fees for struggling tourism operators.
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Australia's A$1.2b tourism subsidy package. Could it work in New Zealand?
Stuff, 11 March 2021
An Australian tourism subsidy that will give holidaymakers access to 800,000 half-price airfares wouldn’t work in New Zealand because domestic air travel has largely recovered from Covid-19, a professor in tourism says.
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Tourism industry frustrated over latest trans-Tasman bubble spat
Newstalk ZB, 10 March 2021
The future of the trans-Tasman bubble appears to be up in the air.
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Hiking cost of getting to NZ ‘good’ thing, says Air NZ adviser
Newsroom, 9 March 2021
Hiking the price of international flights to pay for greenhouse gas emissions, putting some people off flying here, would be a good thing, Air New Zealand’s chief environmental adviser Sir Jonathon Porritt says.
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America's Cup: The tricky question of what happens next if Team NZ wins
Stuff, 28 February 2021
Team New Zealand victories in the America’s Cup trigger a wave of national euphoria with street parades and gatherings, and if it secures a fourth win in March that’s unlikely to change.
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More people are travelling locally but not enough to the West Coast
Stuff, 26 February 2021
More people are travelling around New Zealand, a new survey shows, but not nearly enough to the glacier towns of the West Coast pleading for Government help to save them.
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Kiwis more satisfied with domestic tourism following COVID-19 lockdowns - report
Newshub, 25 February 2021
Tourism Industry Aotearoa's (TIA) latest survey found that in the second half of 2020, half of New Zealanders who travelled domestically for a holiday enjoyed their time off.
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Department of Conservation reveals new visitor strategy
Radio NZ, 18 February 2021
The Department of Conservation's new visitor strategy acknowledges more work needs to be done to manage iconic sites under pressure, but does not spell out what it will implement.
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Calls to recycle $15.7 million in aid declined by tourism operators
Stuff, 12 February 2021
The Government is under pressure to redistribute close to $16 million in aid refused by tourism operators.
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Tourism Industry unhappy after Minister's warning over 'hard conversations' -
Newstalk ZB, 11 February 2021
A slap in the face for tourism operators hoping for a Government lifeline.
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Tourism Minister: There's only so much taxpayer money for the industry
Newstalk ZB, 11 February 2021
The Tourism Minister says he recognises that tourism businesses need support, but there is only so much money that can go around.
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Francesca Rudkin: No end in sight for tourism industry woes
Newstalk ZB, 7 February 2021
I think we’ve all been patient and understanding about the complexities of the border, and that we need to be fluid to adapt to the global situation, but this isn’t a good sign for the tourism industry.
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Tourism industry seeks visa extensions for visitors spending $1m a day
Stuff, 6 February 2021
TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said previous data suggested that international visitors who stayed longer than three months typically spent $120 to $150 per day.
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Industry welcomes inquiry into Covid-19 tourism recovery fund
Radio NZ, 5 February 2021
Tourism Industry Aotearoa is welcoming an inquiry by the Auditor-General into a controversial tourism fund
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Auditor-general to carry out inquiry into controversial tourism funding
Stuff, 5 February 2021
The auditor-general has announced an inquiry into a controversial Government funding scheme to save “strategic” tourism businesses.
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April will be crunch time for the tourism industry
Stuff, 29 January 2021
April is predicted to be crunch time for increasingly desperate tourism businesses deprived of international visitors.
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COVID-19: How the world's media is reacting to New Zealand's new community cases
Newshub, 28 January 2021
New Zealand has detected two new cases of COVID-19 in the community - recent returnees who, as indicated by preliminary genomic sequencing, appear to have contracted the virus from a managed isolation facility.
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NZ tourism frets over Tasman bubble delays
Australian Associated Press
27 January 2021
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Potentially popped Australian bubble worries tourism industry
Radio NZ, 28 January 2021
The worst fears of tourism operators were confirmed when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pronounced New Zealand will remain closed off from most of the world for most of 2021.
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Agency ambitions spark tourism turf war
Newsroom, 27 January 2021
The tourism industry is chewing its fingernails over the hope of an Australian travel bubble.
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Long wait for trans-Tasman bubble just got even longer
Newsroom, 27 January 2021
The tourism industry isn't holding its breath for a trans-Tasman travel bubble being in place after Australia temporarily closed its borders to New Zealand.
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Covid-19: Government downplays suggestions of Australia bubble by March
Radio NZ, 27 January 2021
While the politicians squabble, the tourism industry is preparing for tough times. ... [00:01:59] Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts says he fears a long term impact.
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Hotel invests in quest for 5 stars
Otago Daily Times, 24 January 2021
Dunedin’s oldest hotel continues to get a $10 million face-lift in a bid to get a 5-star rating as hotel room occupancy rates fall across the nation.
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Three struggling New Zealand towns to add to your to-visit list
Stuff, 23 January 2021
Kiwis have certainly been doing their duty since the nationwide lockdown ended in backing tourism operators in their backyard, but some regions are still doing it tough.
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Hotel invests in quest for 5 stars
The Star, 21 January 2021
Dunedin’s oldest hotel continues to get a $10million face-lift in a bid to get a 5-star rating as hotel room occupancy rates fall across the nation.
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NZ tourists can't make up for closed borders
Radio NZ, 21 January 2021
[00:00:00] WALLACE ... the 'Do Something New Zealand' campaign encouraged people to support the tourism sector. ... Despite a campaign encouraging New Zealanders to travel the country, they can't make up for a $6 billion dollar hole caused by the absence of international tourists this summer. ... [00:00:20] The Panel speaks to Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts.
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The Panel with Tayyaba Khan and Gary Moore (Part 2)
Radio NZ, 21 January 2021
Despite a campaign encouraging New Zealanders to travel the country, they can't make up for a $6 billion dollar hole caused by the absence of international tourists this summer. ... The Panel speaks to Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts [15:30].
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$6 billion hole left by international tourists this summer
Radio NZ, 20 January 2021
New Zealanders have heeded the message to get out and see their backyard, with holiday hotspots even busier than usual. But the tourism industry is still struggling to fill the six-billion-dollar hole left by international tourists... [00:00:31] Tourism New Zealand's video campaign asked New Zealanders to get out and do something new to support the country's struggling tourism industry... [00:01:45], [00:03:00] But Chris Roberts from Tourism Industry Aotearoa says not all regions are feeling the love.
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Plan B required as domestic tourism fails to soar
National Business Review, 20 January 2021
More work needed to prepare travel and tourism for its eventual rebirth.
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Week On Demand
NewstalkZB, 19 January 2021
Mike Hosking interview, Tuesday 7.15am..Tourism Industry Aotearoa boss Chris Roberts [0:30]
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Tourism businesses are shaking in their boots ahead of February and March
NZCity, 19 January 2021
With the holiday season coming to a close kiwi tourism businesses are preparing for a quiet season unlike any other.
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Resort hoteliers feel the pain
Mountain Scene, 16 January 2021
Queenstown hotel owners took a bath last year, with occupancy and revenue plunging as the closed borders ravaged the sector.
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Editorial: Older and richer? Now's the time to shine - and have a remarkable holiday
New Zealand Herald Premium, 14 January 2021
February and March are traditionally when overseas visitors turbo-charge the New Zealand tourism industry.
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Nightly News
7 Tasmania, 12 January 2021
The Tasmanian Government remains confident that flights will begin between Hobart and New Zealand in March and NZ’s peak tourism body is keen to see it happen. TIA Chief Executive, Chris Roberts … [1:35]
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Covid-19 coronavirus: Hotel revenue plunges by 40 per cent
New Zealand Herald Premium, 12 January 2021
Hotel room revenue has plunged by more than 40 per cent as room occupancy is half of what it was last year.
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Pandemic pain sees hotel room income fall 40 per cent
Stuff, 11 January 2021
Providing isolation services softened the pandemic's blow for some hotels but room income nationally still fell 40 per cent last year.
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Hotels nationwide still struggling in the wake of a disastrous 2020
1Newsnow, 11 January 2021
The hotel industry has suffered during the pandemic, with new figures released today revealing how dire Covid-19 has been on the industry - many fearing they won't survive.
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COVID-19: Hotel Data New Zealand study shows room income fell by 40 percent in 2020
Newshub, 11 January 2021
TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says the research includes data from hotels providing border isolation services, but the income from those services has only "softened" the impact of COVID-19.
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Loss of overseas visitors leaves tourism operators trying to fill multi-billion dollar hole
Radio NZ, 22 December 2020
Tourism operators are preparing for their first summer without international visitors in decades as borders remain closed.
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Tourism prepares for summer without international tourists
Radio NZ, 22 December 2020
Tourism operators are preparing for their first summer without international visitors in decades as borders remain closed. [03:40] Chris Roberts says….
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WorkSafe steps up checks on adventure tourism post-Whakaari
Stuff, 19 December 2020
WorkSafe hurriedly ramped up monitoring of adventure activities following last year’s Whakaari White Island disaster, but safety experts say there is still room for improvement.
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First review into adventure tourism sector released
Radio NZ, 18 December 2020
A tourism leader says WorkSafe has taken its eye off the ball by not providing enough oversight of the adventure activities sector.
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Tourism operators voice concern about bureaucracy post-industry review
Radio NZ, 18 December 2020
Tourism operators are worried they will be bogged down by bureaucracy following a review of adventure activities near natural hazards.
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Staggered school holidays proposal debated
Radio NZ, 18 December 2020
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts discusses a proposal to stagger school holidays, which has been rejected by the government as too disruptive for students' learning.
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‘No vacancy’ at the inn (or motel, or holiday park, or backpackers’) this Christmas
Newsroom, 16 December 2020
Government agencies have booked out nearly all the country's motels to accommodate homeless families, paroled prison inmates, and to manage the isolation of returning Kiwis.
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Christmas holiday accommodation hard to find outside main cities
Stuff, 16 December 2020
You want somewhere to stay near the beach this summer? Buy a tent.
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Government officials 'don't understand' the importance of tourism to NZ
Stuff, 16 December 2020
A briefing paper recommending further direct funding to ailing tourism businesses be ruled out shows the industry's importance is not recognised, a tourism industry spokesman said.
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MBIE advises against continued broad stimulus for tourism sector
NBR, 15 December 2020
Officials warn hand-outs could "lessen or distort" tourism operator's incentive to change for the better.
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NZ agrees in principle to travel bubble with Australia
ABc TV, 15 December 2020
NZ agrees in principle to travel bubble with Australia. [48’15” until 58’30”] Chris Roberts ....
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Tourism industry hopeful after plans for trans-Tasman travel bubble announced
Newshub, 15 December 2020
There's been a boost in confidence for tourism operators, as Cabinet agrees in principle to establish a bubble with Australia in the first quarter of 2021.
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Tourism operators' confidence up with bubble news
Radio NZ, 15 December 2020
There's been a boost in confidence for tourism operators - with the Government announcing its support 'in principle' for a trans-Tasman travel bubble early next year. [02.20] Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Chris Roberts.....
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Travel bubble planned for next March
Radio NZ, 14 December 2020
The border between New Zealand and Australia and the Cook Islands is scheduled to re-open for travel in March next year.
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Government has no plans to issue vouchers for domestic travel, tourism minister says
Stuff, 14 December 2020
An international airline lobby group, which includes Air New Zealand as a member, is calling on governments to give their citizens vouchers to spend on travel as a way to boost domestic tourism.
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Let’s take this opportunity to reinvent tourism
Newsroom, 13 December 2020
Tourism is one of humankind’s great achievements in modern times. Yet the benefits it brings us often come with negative consequences. Profits for hosts and fulfilment for tourists, for example, can strain communities and degrade ecosystems.
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Adventure tourism regs under review again, what about WorkSafe's role?
Stuff, 2 December 2020
Adventure activity regulations may be tightened if a review prompted by the Whakaari White Island disaster finds any weaknesses.
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Whakaari: Tourism industry keeping close eye on govt review
Radio NZ, 1 December 2020
The tourism industry is warning that tightening rules around how to manage risks could hit the sector hard in the wake of the Whakaari/White Island eruption.
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Twelve-billion-dollar hole left in tourism industry after year without international travellers
1Newsnow, 24 November 2020
New numbers released today show locals can only prop things up for so long.
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Severe skills shortage threatens Northland's hospitality industry
Northern Advocate Premium, 21 November 2020
Northland restaurateurs fear their businesses won't survive without access to skilled workers as they struggle to recruit well-trained chefs and other hospitality staff.
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$500m travel voucher system could boost Covid-19 tracer app use
Stuff, 20 November 2020
Giving every Kiwi a $100 e-voucher to spend via the Covid-19 contact tracer app is being touted as a way to revive tourism and help prevent further lockdowns.
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Tackling freedom camping and toilets
Radio NZ, 19 November 2020
Chris Roberts from Tourism Industry Aotearoa is part of a Ministerial Group for Responsible Camping which has been working on solutions to the freedom camping problem.
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Disagreement over plan to attract high-value tourists
Radio NZ, 19 November 2020
RNZ's text line lit up yesterday after new Tourism Minister Stuart Nash told Morning Report that he wanted to ban tourists hiring vans without toilets. ... A 35 dollar international visitor conservation and tourism levy... ... [00:02:55] The head of the tourism industry body [ Tourism Industry Aotearoa] Chris Roberts says backpackers are also important because they actually fill critical roles...
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Proposed ban on non-self-contained vans continues to drive mixed response
Radio NZ, 19 November 2020
Some New Zealanders want tighter regulations on freedom camping, while others point to the benefits backpackers bring after the Minister of Tourism touted a ban on tourists hiring vans without toilets.
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Hospitality industry desperate for staff despite rising unemployment, particularly among women
Newshub, 18 November 2020
The hospitality industry is in dire need of skilled workers despite rising job losses due to COVID-19 - especially among women.
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Tourism minister to ban tourist vans that are not self-contained
Radio NZ, 18 November 2020
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says he will ban hiring vans that are not self-contained to tourists, as he urges a focus on attracting high-spending visitors.
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Rotorua tourism operator says 'high-value' focus should mean more than just prioritising wealthy visitors
1Newsnow, 18 November 2020
The tourism industry is welcoming the newly appointed minister's vision for the sector, which focuses on attracting "high-value" tourists, but one Rotorua tourism operator says it should mean more than prioritising wealthy visitors.
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Government looks to minimise costs of tourism to New Zealanders
Radio NZ, 17 November 2020
The new Tourism Minister has announced New Zealanders will no longer subsidise international visitors to the extent they have in the past.
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Covid 19 coronavirus: Tourism Minister Stuart Nash's blunt message to tourism sector: target rich tourists
New Zealand Herald, 17 November 2020
New Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has delivered a blunt message to tourism operators, saying there will be no return to a pre-Covid "business as usual" - and proposing a "reset" targeting wealthy tourists rather than freedom campers and backpackers.
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Tourism industry in talks on rebuilding from Covid impact
Radio NZ, 17 November 2020
The tourism industry is facing a multi-billion dollar loss of revenue after borders closed and international travel screeched to a halt.
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Tourism industry meets to discuss rebuild
Radio NZ, 17 November 2020
The tourism industry is facing a multi-billion dollar loss of revenue after borders closed and international travel screeched to a halt. ... Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more. ... [00:02:57] Last year Tourism Industry Aotearoa's chief executive Chris Roberts was facing vastly different challenges.
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COVID-19: Travel Card proposal to be floated at Tourism Summit Aotearoa - TIA
Newshub, 17 November 2020
Every Kiwi should be issued a $200 domestic Travel Card to give a welcome boost to New Zealand's decimated tourism industry, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has argued, as the sector continues to struggle with the impacts of the ongoing pandemic.
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Tourism minister says low-spending international visitors are out
Stuff, 17 November 2020
New Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says the industry tourism will never return to how it was before the dramatic impact of Covid-19.
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Tourism Industry Aotearoa survey finds labour shortage a problem, reopening border a priority
New Zealand Herald Premium, 17 November 2020
Tourism businesses shed thousands of staff when Covid-19 hit but now face a new problem - not enough workers.
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New Tourism Minister, same script
NBR, 17 November 2020
Sector has seen $6b in year-on-year losses and is on track for that to reach $10b by year end.
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Tourism industry hails new minister Nash's stance
Radio NZ, 17 November 2020
The tourism industry is welcoming its new minister's plans to ensure ratepayers and taxpayers are not footing the bill left behind by international visitors.
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Tourism Minister Stuart Nash tells Tourism Industry Aotearoa summit industry can't go back to pre-Covid
New Zealand Herald, 17 November 2020
New Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says there is no going back to how the industry was pre-Covid.
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Tourism Minister's blunt message to tourism sector: target rich tourists
Newstalk ZB, 17 November 2020
New Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has delivered a blunt message to tourism operators, saying there will be no return to a pre-Covid "business as usual" - and proposing a "reset" targeting wealthy tourists rather than freedom campers and backpackers.
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Tourism Minister calls for high value tourism in NZ post-Covid
Radio NZ, 17 November 2020
[00:00:00] The new Tourism Minister has told the industry to attract wealthy, high value tourists as soon as the borders reopen. ... Stuart Nash told the Tourism Industry Summit he wants to drive a transition away from low spending, high cost tourists. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton is at the summit and filed this report. ... [00:01:32] TESS [New Zealand] Tourism Futures Taskforce co-chair Steve Chadiwck started her speech with congratulations...
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Fears tourism training cuts will worsen staffing shortages
Stuff, 7 November 2020
Proposals to cut spending on tourism training by up to 30 per cent could worsen a growing staff shortage as the industry ramps back up.
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Business Insider: Look in the mirror for wage subsidy guidance, Robertson say
New Zealand Herald Premium, 7 November 2020
Finance Minister Grant Robertson to date hasn't exactly been hard-nosed on the issue of companies paying back the wage subsidy should their financial position warrant it.
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High expectations and big challenges for Labour's newly-named Cabinet
1Newsnow, 3 November 2020
The newly-named Labour ministers have barely had time to get their feet under their desk, and they won't be sworn in until Friday, but there’s already high expectations riding on their performance.
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Tourism industry welcomes new Tourism Minister Stuart Nash
Stuff, 2 November 2020
The tourism industry has welcomed Stuart Nash’s appointment as Tourism Minister, but he will have his work cut out for him as the sector struggles with prolonged border closures.
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Tourism industry welcomes new minister to the role
Radio NZ, 2 November 2020
Incoming Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has a huge opportunity to do something 'very special' with the sector, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.
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Not just Queenstown, Auckland tourism operators hurting from closed borders too
New Zealand Herald Premium, 28 October 2020
A small Auckland tour operator that is trading at just 5 per cent of what it normally would says tourism in the country's most populous city is "decimated".
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$200 domestic travel card proposed to boost tourism industry
Newstalk ZB, 20 October 2020
A $200 travel card for every Kiwi would help activities and amenities.
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Tourism wants $200 travel card and long-term plan from the Government
Stuff, 19 October 2020
The tourism industry is calling on the Government to come up with a plan to reopen the borders and to issue every New Zealander with a $200 domestic travel card.
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Thousands of jobs go begging because unemployed Kiwis won't take them
Stuff, 17 October 2020
Employers are desperate to fill 8000 summer jobs in Otago – and they’re finding it nearly impossible to attract Kiwi applicants.
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Election 2020: Tourism industry's lifeline hopes from next government
New Zealand Herald Premium, 16 October 2020
If there is one industry really looking to the next government for a lifeline, it is tourism.
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Polytech offered no guarantees on staffing
Otago Daily Times, 16 October 2020
Te Pukenga — New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) is taking over 16 of the country’s technology institutes and polytechnics and the inaugural chief executive, Stephen Town, told Dunedin’s polytechnic staff yesterday they could expect to see the operating "shape" of the institute in July.
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Jacinda Ardern, feted as ‘the anti-Trump,’ is poised to win New Zealand election
The Washington Post, 12 October 2020
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — No leader of New Zealand has possessed a profile like Jacinda Ardern's. Her image has been projected onto the world's tallest building, made the cover of Time magazine and reached an audience that far exceeds her country's modest population.
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National's money-go-round to save 'every tourism job' will take five years
Stuff, 10 October 2020
ANALYSIS: National’s tourism spokesman Todd McClay has admitted his bold target of saving “every tourism job” could well take five years.
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Slight easing of Covid-19 restrictions good news for churches, events and struggling tourism industry
1Newsnow, 21 September 2020
Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 just before midnight on Wednesday, September 23.
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Tourism industry, churches among those celebrating slight easing of Auckland's Covid-19 restrictions
1Newsnow, 21 September 2020
As Aucklanders eye a move to Covid-19 Alert Level 2 on Wednesday evening, those impacted by Level 2.5 restrictions have cause for celebration, including the region’s local businesses and churches.
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Major hotel chains ditch Tourism Industry Aotearoa, set up own council
Bay of Plenty Times Premium, 19 September 2020
Five of the country's largest hotel chains have rescinded their membership with Tourism Industry Aotearoa in favour of a new hotel council dedicated solely to servicing the industry's needs.
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Coronavirus: Tourism operators keep heads above water through second Covid-19 wave, but hope of trans-Tasman bubble fades
Stuff, 19 September 2020
While the future of the international tourism market remains shrouded in uncertainties amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the domestic market is still ticking along.
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Impact of strict border controls 'indefinitely' considered by Treasury
Stuff, 18 September 2020
In its pre-election opening of the Government books, Treasury’s main forecast is based on the assumption border restrictions will be gone by the start of 2022, but it also considered a much gloomier scenario.
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Furious tourism operators demand change over unfair funding shambles
Puna/Stuff, 17 Mahuru 2020
Tourism operators say it's not too late to right the wrongs of a poorly thought out rescue package that was patently unfair.
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Tourism operators who missed out on funding call for review
Radio NZ, 16 Mahuru 2020
Tourism operators want a review of a controversial government fund that new papers show was nearly scrapped before it got off the ground.
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Documents reveal problems with tourism 'strategic asset' funding
Radio NZ, 16 Mahuru 2020
Tourism operators are demanding a review into the controversial government fund that new papers show was nearly scrapped before it got off the ground. TIA [03.20] Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts....
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Lifeline or lottery? Questions of fairness over $400m tourism rescue scheme
Puna/Stuff, 13 Mahuru 2020
A small family tourism venture in the tiny Central Otago town of Makarora is celebrating $1 million of Government grants to help see it through the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Physical distancing: Air New Zealand says 50,000 fewer seats during school holidays
New Zealand Herald, 11 September 2020
Desperate tourism hotspots are calling on the Government to relax physical distancing rules on airlines as the school holidays approach.
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Issue of testing overseas drivers reignited
Otago Daily Times, 11 September 2020
Using technology may be a solution for testing overseas drivers’ skills when renting vehicles.
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Call to drop distancing on planes
Otago Daily Times, 11 September 2020
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult is calling for social distancing on aircraft to be scrapped to help alleviate the resort’s "economically desperate" situation.
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Auckland and Northland take lion’s share of $50 million regional events fund
Stuff, 10 September 2020
Auckland and Northland will take the lion’s share of the Government’s $50 million Regional Events Fund, getting $19 million, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said on Thursday.
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Airlines need chance for full flights during school holidays - tourism boss
Radio NZ, 10 September 2020
The government is being urged to loosen physical distancing rules on flights so families can make school holiday bookings.
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Tourism industry rejects Corner's call to check overseas drivers harder
Radio NZ, 10 September 2020
The tourism industry is rejecting a call from the coroner for rental car companies to carry out more stringent checks of overseas drivers.
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Matariki should be a public holiday
Stuff, 9 September 2020
EDITORIAL: It was certain that Jacinda Ardern’s announcement on Monday that, if re-elected, Labour would make Matariki a public holiday from 2022, would elicit some instant negative responses.
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Why isn't New Zealand among the countries offering serious travel incentives?
Stuff, 8 September 2020
Would you be more likely to go away on holiday in New Zealand – or take a longer break – if the Government picked up part of the bill for your accommodation or gave you vouchers to spend on meals and activities?
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Tourism sector supports Matariki becoming a public holiday
Newstalk ZB, 8 September 2020
Another public holiday could do good things for the tourism sector.
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Labour wants to make Matariki a public holiday - in 2022
NBR, 7 September 2020
Previous Treasury modelling showed an additional public holiday could cost between $64m and $96m.
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Why the #NZHellhole movement is exactly what New Zealand needs right now
Stuff, 7 September 2020
OPINION: Donald Trump has inadvertently instigated what could just be the best unofficial marketing campaign New Zealand has ever had.
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Kelvin Davis: Two sides to making Matariki a public holiday
Newstalk ZB, 7 September 2020
[00:01:19] KELVIN DAVIS Tourism business and Tourism Industry Aotearoa have said that public holidays...
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Business owner: Why wasn't Matariki already a holiday?
Stuff, 7 September 2020
One Māori business owner says “it’s ridiculous” that the Māori New Year Matariki is not already a public holiday.
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Election 2020: Matariki holiday costly but likely to be popular
New Zealand Herald, 7 September 2020
A public holiday for Matariki will cost employers about $200 million a year - but the signs are that the Labour Party proposal will be broadly popular.
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Tourism Industry Aotearoa reveals plans to redouble sustainability efforts
Radio NZ, 27 August 2020
The tourism industry has unveiled plans to redouble its sustainability efforts in a refreshed commitment.
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New tourism data programme to help track recovery of sector
Radio NZ, 26 August 2020
The government has unveiled a new tourism data programme after Stats NZ scrapped its accommodation survey late last year.
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Tourism sector calls for more targeted relief as Auckland lockdown tanks spending
NBR, 25 August 2020
Covid containment measures again disproportionately affect tourism.
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Impact of Auckland's COVID-19 alert level extension being felt by tourism operators across the country
Newshub, 25 August 2020
The impact of Auckland's alert level 3 lockdown restrictions is being felt right across the country as struggling tourism operators prepare for a longer fight.
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Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland restrictions hurting Bay of Plenty hospitality, tourism
Bay of Plenty Times, 24 August 2020
Covid-19 alert level 2 restrictions will remain in force in the Bay of Plenty, a decision which local hospitality and tourism leaders say has "huge" implications for the region.
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Boom for New Zealand's Great Walks, but Auckland hotels begging for help
22 August 2020
Many Kiwis are choosing to go bush for their holidays with the Great Walks swamped by booking requests.
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Aoraki/Mt Cook tourism industry decimated by Covid-19
Stuff, 20 August 2020
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park may have set another record for visitor numbers but Covid-19 is on track to decimate next year’s result.
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Coronavirus: Fiordland tourism operators fear they missed out on funding
Stuff, 20 August 2020
Fiordland tourism operators may have missed out on millions of dollars for Covid-19 support, because they didn’t think they were important enough to qualify for the Government’s tourism protection fund.
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ALTERNATIVE VIEW: Unconvinced by NZ tourism crisis
Farmers Weekly, 19 August 2020
I've driven through the rural haven that is Eketahuna for many years and it is, in a word, quiet.
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Plea to fix DOC concessions system
Newsroom, 19 August 2020
In 2010, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson announced a revamp of her department’s concessions system.
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Coronavirus: No change to allocation of $311 million tourism fund
Stuff, 16 August 2020
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis is refusing to reconsider the allocation of a $311 million tourism rescue package, despite industry criticism labelling it a rushed “lolly scramble”.
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Coronavirus: Covid level change "kick in the guts" for struggling tourism operators
Stuff, 12 August 2020
Auckland’s move to alert level 3 has come as a “kick in the guts” to New Zealand's embattled tourism industry.
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Call for new government to show vision for tourism industry's rebuild
Radio NZ, 8 August 2020
Tourism Industry Aotearoa has released its election action plan that's identified specific areas needed after the election.
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Rocky times ahead for tourism despite more flights, school holiday spike, industry head says
1Newsnow, 8 August 2020
Despite some promising signs for tourism, including a spike over the school holiday period and increased domestic travel, the industry association's chief executive says the sector will continue to struggle in the coming months.
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Tourism industry cries foul over the $311m Covid aid package
Stuff, 4 August
The tourism industry is “underwhelmed” by the Government’s latest aid package and some operators are demanding to know why they missed out.
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Government details remaining money for tourism recovery package
Newstalk ZB, 2 August 2020
Another round of funding for struggling tourism operators.
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The $311m splurge on tourism - Govt says 3000 jobs protected
New Zealand Herald, 1 August 2020
The Government is spending more than $230 million on ''strategic'' tourism businesses in a move it says will protect up to 3000 jobs in the sector hammered by the pandemic.
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Government announce $320 million package tourism operators and events
1Newsnow, 1 August 2020
With the wage subsidy set to end next month, this targeted funding is a sign of what's to come.
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Rural Tourism
BBC, 1 August 2020
As lockdown continues to lift, join Mark Stephen and Euan McIlwraith as they ask if rural tourism in parts of Scotland is getting out of hand.... [21:30] Chris Roberts, TIA
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Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick to co-chair tourism taskforce
Stuff, 1 August 2020
A taskforce aiming to resurrect New Zealand’s tourism industry following lockdown will be co-chaired by Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick.
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Auckland CBD struggling to attract visitors
Newstalk ZB, 31 July 2020
Auckland businesses want more done to attract people into the city to prop-up the local economy.
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Auckland struggling to attract local visitors with boost needed to stop stores closing
Radio NZ, 31 July 2020
Vacancy signs are common along the city's main street and some store owners fear it could become a ghost town.
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Long-term harm feared if tourism training cuts go ahead
Radio NZ, 31 July 2020
The Tertiary Education Commission wants to slash government spending on tourism and retail courses by as much as 30 percent next year.
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Auckland struggling to attract local visitors with boost needed to stop stores closing
Radio NZ, 31 July 2020
Auckland businesses want more done to attract people into the city to prop-up the local economy.
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TEC considers $6m cut to tourism and retail courses
Radio NZ, 31 July 2020
The Tertiary Education Commission wants to cut government subsidies for certificate and diploma courses in tourism and retail by as much as 30 percent next year.
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Covid-19: Questions raised about Auckland recovery
Radio NZ, 31 July 2020
As vacancy signs sprinkle shop windows along Auckland's main street questions are being asked about the city's recovery and what's being done to attract domestic tourists. [00:00:49] Chris Roberts from Tourism Industry Aotearoa says the city has an open invite to the regions that's not being taken up.
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17 tourism groups put the acid on for more Government support
Stuff, 28 July 2020
The Government is under increasing pressure to front up with long term help for tourism-related businesses affected by border closures.
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Grant Bradley: The roll call of travel heavyweights the Government will struggle to ignore
New Zealand Herald Premium, 28 July 2020
A group from across the tourism, travel, aviation, hospitality and event sectors which went to Government today seeking certainty about any further financial support is too powerful to ignore.
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'Drowning' tourism industry presents election wish list
Stuff, 23 July 2020
With an election looming, politicians are being urged look after tourism businesses devastated by the border closures.
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Holiday hotspots under-prepared for influx of restless Kiwis
NBR, 22 July 2020
This writer was reduced to having to spend an hour at the cat café.
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Tourism New Zealand entices Kiwis to spend more on domestic travel as businesses seek Government help
Stuff, 21 July 2020
While tourism businesses have called for more Government help, Tourism New Zealand is counting on Kiwis spending more on their domestic travels to help the sector recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
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TIA survey: Operators worried about wage subsidy ending
Radio NZ, 21 July 2020
Worried tourism operators are calling for a further extension of wage subsidy support from the government. The Panel is joined by Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts.
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COVID-19: Campaign launched to sustain interest in New Zealand amid pandemic
Newshub, 20 July 2020
A new multi-agency campaign is being launched to promote New Zealand overseas amid border closures and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Campaign launches to sustain interest in New Zealand amid pandemic
Radio NZ, 19 July 2020
A new multi-agency campaign is being launched to promote New Zealand overseas amid border closures and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
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Three-quarters of tourism businesses want another wage extension - survey
Newshub, 18 July 2020
Almost three-quarters of tourism businesses claim they need a wage subsidy extension to stay afloat.
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End of wage subsidy guarantees more tourism job losses
Stuff, 18 July 2020
Almost three quarters of tourism businesses want further Government help with wages and a third are warning of more lay-offs it they don't get it.
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Tourism rescue package upped from $100m to $400m
Stuff, 17 July 2020
Treasury documents show the Government’s tourism rescue package quadrupled in size as discussions progressed on how to help the sector survive Covid-19.
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Where business travel is bouncing back fastest
New Zealand Herald Premium, 17 July 2020
The business travel market is showing signs of life, with a global study revealing that nearly half of those surveyed had already begun to travel or would in the next one to three months.
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Tourism school enrolments rise despite Covid-19 effects on industry
Radio NZ, 16 July 2020
Tertiary students have faith in the tourism industry's future, despite the blow dealt to the sector by Covid-19.
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New Zealand's horror road toll continues after Covid-19 but tourists not to blame for the carnage
New Zealand Herald, 14 July 2020
Tourist drivers are not to blame for New Zealand's horror road toll after lockdown, according to Ministry of Transport fatal crash figures.
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Rent relief delays leave businesses pleading with Government
New Zealand Herald, 13 July 2020
One in eight retail businesses are struggling to negotiate rent relief and want Government-assisted arbitration to help them resolve their plight, the Retail New Zealand survey shows.
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Retailers urge govt to help more with rent relief
Radio NZ, 13 July 2020
One in six retail businesses are struggling to negotiate rent relief, and want government-assisted arbitration to help them resolve their plight.
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[00:03:05] ...The Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chris Roberts says...
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Airbnb pushes for national framework on short-term rentals
NBR, 9 July 2020
Providers hope national rules will solve their local council woes.
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Domestic tourism: Small towns still leading the charge in terms of recovery, research suggests
Stuff, 9 July 2020
Towns and islands close to New Zealand’s biggest cities appear to be the most popular destinations for Kiwis over the first week of the school holidays so far, with the cities themselves – and traditional hot spot Queenstown – experiencing a drop in consumer spending.
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Christchurch Airport says the post-Covid travel world could reset in its favour
The Press, 4 July 2020
The departure screens are full again at Christchurch Airport. A busy day of flights scheduled.
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Government’s handling of tourism’s woes under question
NBR, 2 July 2020
Tourism operators are calling Minister Kelvin Davis ‘Casper’ over a perceived lack of engagement.
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Tourism industry wants answers over visitor levy spending
Radio NZ, 2 July 2020
The tourism industry remains in the dark about where millions of dollars collected through the international visitor levy will go.
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The need for a trans-Tasman bubble has been underlined in a new survey of hotelier
NZ City, 2 July 2020
The New Zealand Hotel Market Sentiment Survey found 85 per cent want to see more stimulation of domestic travel.
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Could adding a new public holiday boost the economy?
BBC, 29 June 2020
In an effort to get gears turning in the global economy, a new proposal could help with spending – and give us some time off.
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Package deals needed tempt domestic travellers to overseas tourist hotspots
Stuff, 1 July 2020
The tourism sector is being urged to target Kiwis by offering package deals to help fill the void left by overseas visitors – who may not return to New Zealand for another two years.
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Physical APEC cancellation 'a blow' to Auckland and NZ - business chamber
Radio NZ, 30 June 2020
It will be difficult to leverage any real economic gains from a virtual APEC, Auckland's Business Chamber says.
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New Zealand to host virtual APEC in 2021
Radio NZ, 30 June 2020
New Zealand has abandoned plans to physically host APEC in 2021 - opting to 'go virtual' in the face of the global pandemic.
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[00:02:37] But Tourism [Industry] Aotearoa [ TIA] chief executive, Chris Roberts says this is now all come to nothing.
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Tourism Industry Aotearoa on trans-Tasman bubble
Radio NZ, 30 June 2020
A trans-Tasman bubble is still a ways off, as infections in the Australian state of Victoria continue to climb. One of the sectors with the biggest investment in a trans-Tasman bubble is tourism. Chris Roberts is the chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
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Winston Peters on EU travel: 'We're not going to compromise our country's health
Radio NZ, 30 June 2020
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealanders who head to Europe on holiday should pay for their two weeks' hotel quarantine when they return.
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Northland tourism industry calls for more workers
1Newsnow, 28 June 2020
Northland has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, yet the region’s tourism industry is concerned they won’t have enough workers for its peak season.
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Praise for the Government's latest investment in the tourism sector
NZCity, 27 June 2020
Twenty-five million dollars will go to the Department of Conservation, so it can waive concession fees for tourism operators.
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Tourism job losses predicted to peak at 92,000 this year
Stuff, 27 June 2020
A newly released Government paper paints a bleak outlook for tourism with job losses predicted to peak at 92,000 this year.
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$85m ‘shot in the arm’ for Queenstown
Otago Daily Times, 27 June 2020
An $85 million Government injection for Queenstown infrastructure projects is a "major shot in the arm", Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult says.
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Confirmed Covid-19 case in Rotorua Ibis Hotel - How do people feel?
New Zealand Herald Premium, 25 June 2020
Rotorua's official positive coronavirus case is a woman in her 30s who arrived on Saturday after flying to New Zealand from Peru and officials concede there could be more positive cases isolating in the city.
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Picking winners? Govt has to decide which tourism operators 'important'
Stuff, 20 June 2020
More than 300 businesses have applied for money from a special fund to protect key tourism attractions.
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Auckland hoteliers call for permanent scrapping of council targeted rate
NBR, 19 June 2020
Auckland hotels claim to have lost $75m in revenue in just three months.
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Despite set-back, tourism industry body still wants Aus-NZ border open by September
Radio NZ, 19 June 2020
The tourism industry wants more clarity on a trans-Tasman bubble after receiving a potential set-back from the Australian Government.
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Struggling hotel industry urges consumers to skip online booking sites to get best deal
1Newsnow, 18 June 2020
The struggling accommodation industry is urging consumers to book with them directly to stop millions of dollars in commission fees going to offshore booking websites.
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Trans-Tasman bubble may be off the table
Radio NZ, 18 June 2020
The proposed trans-tasman bubble may have recieved a set-back, after the Australian Government revealed borders could remain closed until next year. Chris Roberts is the Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive.
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Struggling hotel industry urges consumers to skip online booking sites to get best dea
1Newsnow, 17 June 2020
The struggling accommodation industry is urging consumers to book with them directly to stop millions of dollars in commission fees going to offshore booking websites.
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Coronavirus: Star tourism attractions queue up for rescue money
Stuff, 18 June 2020
More than 60 tourism business have put their hands up for Government funding to help save some of the country's star visitor attractions.
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Direct booking drive aims to save jobs and pump money into economy
Stuff, 17 June 2020
During tight times for tourism, punters are being urged to book accommodation directly to boost local operator margins.
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Why isn't DOC coming to the party?
Stuff, 16 June 2020
OPINION: What’s up DOC? Why has the Department of Conservation failed to come to the party and reduce the fees it charges more than 4600 concessionaires in the conservation estate?
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60 positions expected to go at hotels
Otago Daily Times, 15 June 2020
Job losses continue to mount in Queenstown’s accommodation sector, as 60 workers are expected to be made redundant at the Scenic Hotel Group’s two resort properties.
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Diaries revealed: Who were the Govt's top Covid-19 Ministers speaking to during lockdown?
New Zealand Herald Premium, 14 June 2020
As New Zealand prepared to enter an unprecedented four-week period in its modern history, the Covid-19 lockdown, the country's top ministers appeared to be busy briefing the private sector on details of their plans.
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Online travel agency Aoliday liquidated over $3 million debt
Stuff, 11 June 2020
Tourism businesses owed $3m by online travel agency Aoliday NZ Ltd have forced the company into liquidation.
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Minister pressures DOC officials to cut fees for struggling tourism operators
Stuff, 11 June 2020
Conservation officials have been given until Friday to say how they could stop charging struggling tourism businesses fees.
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Covid 19 coronavirus: Hello level 1 - Dining, clubbing, weddings, funerals and flying without restrictions
New Zealand Herald, 9 June 2020
he hospitality and event sectors are breathing a collective sigh of relief with the move to level 1 allowing them to operate their businesses without the crippling restrictions.
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COVID-19: Normality returns for most, long road ahead for some as New Zealand officially enters alert level 1
Newshub, 9 June 2020
The move was made at midnight, ending nearly three months of domestic restrictions.
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Events, festivals return at level 1, tourism sector calls out for continued help
New Zealand Herald, 8 June 2020
Events, festivals return at level 1, tourism sector calls out for continued help.
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Businesses cautiously optimistic about level 1
Radio NZ, 2 June 2020
Talk of returning the country to a "new normal" has been welcomed with cautious optimism, but those who are eagerly awaiting a change warn the devil is in the detail.
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Businesses cautiously optimistic about returning to 'new normal' of Level 1
Radio NZ, 2 June 2020
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this morning signalled Cabinet would look at moving to alert level 1 next Monday, two weeks sooner than expected.
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Covid-19: What will level 1 mean for New Zealand?
Radio NZ, 2 June 2020
[00:00:58] Chris Roberts, the chief executive of the Tourism Industry of Association says the earlier guidance suggested mass gatherings of over 500 people wouldn't be allowed.
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