-
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
NZ tourism frets over Tasman bubble delays
Australian Associated Press
27 January 2021
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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].
Read more -
$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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
Week On Demand
NewstalkZB, 19 January 2021
Mike Hosking interview, Tuesday 7.15am..Tourism Industry Aotearoa boss Chris Roberts [0:30]
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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]
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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….
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
‘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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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 ....
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.....
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
$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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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...
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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...
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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".
Read more -
$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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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....
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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?
Read more -
Tourism sector supports Matariki becoming a public holiday
Newstalk ZB, 8 September 2020
Another public holiday could do good things for the tourism sector.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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...
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
Tourism sector calls for more targeted relief as Auckland lockdown tanks spending
NBR, 25 August 2020
Covid containment measures again disproportionately affect tourism.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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”.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
Government details remaining money for tourism recovery package
Newstalk ZB, 2 August 2020
Another round of funding for struggling tourism operators.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
'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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more
-
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read me -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more
[00:03:05] ...The Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chris Roberts says...
-
Airbnb pushes for national framework on short-term rentals
NBR, 9 July 2020
Providers hope national rules will solve their local council woes.
Read more -
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.
Read me -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more
[00:02:37] But Tourism [Industry] Aotearoa [ TIA] chief executive, Chris Roberts says this is now all come to nothing.
-
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
$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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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?
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more -
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.
Read more
- Tags:
- TIA In The News
