TIA Media

Tourism ready to contribute more to NZ economy

16 March 2023

With the December 2022 quarter GDP results setting out a decline of 0.6%, there is real scope for tourism to play a very important role in moving to positive territory, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram says.

Forum will unpack tourism’s efforts to build a better future

2 March 2023

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and Auckland Airport have joined forces to hold the Auckland Airport Tourism Forum at New Zealand’s biggest and most influential tourism tradeshow TRENZ.

“Practical and transformational” plan to uplift tourism workforce

1 March 2023

Tourism Minister Peeni Henare has today launched the Better Work Action Plan, aimed at making the tourism workforce stronger, more sustainable, and resilient.

Sharing the Aroha of Tourism

27 January 2023

A campaign celebrating the benefits tourism brings to the communities of Aotearoa New Zealand is being launched today by Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

3-2-1 holiday – top tips for enjoying your summer break

16 December 2022

The countdown to summer holidays is on, and Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry wants to make sure you and your family have a wonderful summer break.

Small lodge with big heart reigns supreme at New Zealand Tourism Awards

11 November 2022

A small Māori-owned tourism business based in Murupara has taken home tourism’s most prestigious new award, the Regenerative Tourism Award.

Recovering industry to set its sights on the next generation of New Zealand tourism

7 November 2022

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be the special guest at this year’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa, a full-day event where delegates dive into the most important issues facing the tourism industry.

Return of NZ’s most significant tourism event

28 October 2022

Registrations have opened for the most significant international trade event on New Zealand’s tourism calendar.

New Zealand Tourism Awards 2022 finalists revealed

6 September 2022

The New Zealand Tourism Awards 2022 finalists have been revealed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) at an online ceremony today.

Working Holiday Visa changes a boon for tourism industry
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21 August 2022

Tourism employers around Aotearoa New Zealand will be celebrating today’s announcement that steps are being taken to support tourism workforce recovery, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Draft tourism work plan to be reviewed by industry

10 August 2022

The tourism industry is looking forward to engaging with the Government on the Industry Transformation Better Work Action Plan released for consultation today.

Tourism revival can fend off recession

28 July 2022

The tourism revival can fend off New Zealand’s recession with the right people in place, says TIA.

Blue sky day for ski as pre-departure testing dropped

16 June 2022

The tourism industry is excited that pre-departure testing will finish at 11.59pm Monday 20 June just in time for the ski season, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA).

Prestigious new award celebrates regenerative tourism

9 June 2022

Entries are open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2022, hosted by TIA, with a new award added to the esteemed ensemble for tourism’s highest achievers.

Tourism industry moves forward with optimism

25 May 2022

Moving forward with optimism was the resounding theme at TRENZ Hui 2022 Online.

Tourism package helps industry get back to business

21 May 2022

Tourism Industry Aotearoa says Government funding announced in the Budget, with more support today from Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, will help the transition towards the tourism industry’s new normal.

Tourism industry looks to the future at innovative online event

17 May 2022

Over 400 tourism operators will prepare for the full reopening of New Zealand’s borders at an innovative online event next week, livestreamed over two days from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Tourism industry excited by next phase of border reopening

11 May 2022

The tourism industry warmly welcomes today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the opening date for visa-required travellers to enter New Zealand is being brought forward to 31 July 2022 – and that pre-departure testing would be dropped by the same date.

Summer bookings bring glimmer of hope to tourism

2 May 2022

The tourism industry is feeling hopeful as the country enters the next phase of its border reopening plan—with many operators excited to report forward bookings, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

NZ tourism industry readies its welcome

22 April 2022

Registrations are now open for TRENZ Hui 2022 Online, where Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry will come together to get ready to welcome back international visitors.

Welcome back Aussies, we’ve missed you – exciting times for tourism

12 April 2022

New Zealand tourism operators are ready with open arms to welcome back Australian visitors tonight, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram.

NZ tourism reconnecting with the world in innovative online event

25 March 2022

The tourism industry is excited to be reconnecting with the world in a series of online events next month which will virtually connect leading New Zealand tourism operators with almost 300 travel buyers from around the world.

New international air link helps tourism prepare for take-off

23 March 2022

New Zealand’s tourism industry is taking off again, with today’s news from Air New Zealand of an important new link with the USA.

TIA recommends extending kick-start funds to more regions

18 March 2022

Government funding to support tourism businesses in five South Island regions to prepare for the return of international visitors is welcome but must be extended across the motu, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Kia ora cobber – NZ tourism industry thrilled at border reopening plans

16 March 2022

Tourism operators are thrilled they can look forward to welcoming international manuhiri, following today’s announcement that New Zealand’s borders are reopening to many international travellers.

Working holidaymakers make welcome return to NZ

14 March 2022

Tourism operators are looking forward to welcoming working holidaymakers as they return to New Zealand from today.

Self-isolation removal a big step on tourism road to recovery

28 February 2022

The tourism industry is celebrating a big step forward on the road to recovery today with the removal of self-isolation requirements for arriving travellers, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

TIA supports review of self-isolation for travellers

24 February 2022

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is reassured to hear the Government plans to review the self-isolation requirements for visitors entering the country.

Tourism business revenue plunging 60%, new survey shows

23 February 2022

Tourism operators are seeing their revenue plunging in an extremely difficult operating environment, according to a new survey by Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Business support welcome but open borders still the game changer

21 February 2022

Tourism Industry Aotearoa says tourism operators acknowledge the Government has recognised the challenges they are facing but the industry’s priority is for our borders to be reopened without self-isolation requirements.

Tourism businesses suffering under Red setting – toughest trading conditions yet

18 February 2022

Tourism and hospitality operators are facing their toughest trading conditions since the beginning of the pandemic and desperately need financial support to survive, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Government must be flexible with self-isolation requirements

3 February 2022

Today’s border reopening announcements are welcome but the Government must be prepared to remove self-isolation requirements as soon as health risks lessen, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Time to plan for reconnecting NZ

31 January 2022

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is urging the Government to update its plans for reopening New Zealand’s borders as Omicron has changed the game.

TIA appoints new Chief Executive

18 Jan 2022

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram.

TRENZ Hui moves to Eden Park for 2022

23 Dec 2021

For the first time ever, Auckland’s Eden Park will host TRENZ Hui, New Zealand’s premier international tourism business event, next year.

International recognition for Tourism Sustainability Commitment

13 December 2021

A New Zealand programme that supports tourism operators to become more sustainable has gained international recognition.

Tourism industry backs conservation law changes

10 Dec 2021

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is pleased the Minister of Conservation is taking the first steps to address long-standing problems in conservation law.

New statistics show devastating COVID impact on tourism

10 Dec 2021

The devastating impact of the pandemic on Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry has been officially measured for the first time, with today’s release of the Tourism Satellite Account for the year ended March 2021.

Many challenges ahead for tourism in 2022

8 Dec 2021

A recently formed network of tourism sector associations is warning its members that 2022 is set to be just as challenging as 2020 and 2021.

Freedom camping rule changes heading in right direction

30 Nov 2021

Proposed new freedom camping laws are an opportunity to ease community concerns and create a stronger approach to managing camping around the country, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Tourism’s bright future shines at New Zealand Tourism Awards

29 November 2021

Outstanding tourism businesses and individuals who are leading the way in creating the future of New Zealand’s tourism industry have been recognised in the industry’s most respected annual awards.

Tourism industry challenge to cut carbon

29 November 2021

Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry is being challenged to lead the fight to reduce carbon emissions, with a major new initiative announced at Tourism Summit Aotearoa today.

Recovery roadmap released for tourism

29 November 2021

New projections for the recovery of New Zealand tourism suggest that it could be 2024 before the industry gets close to its ‘new normal’.

Online tourism events look to the future

25 November 2021

For the first time ever Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry is gathering online for its major annual Summit and Awards celebration.

Still closed for business: New Zealand’s being left behind

24 Nov 2021

New Zealand is clinging to some of the tightest border restrictions in the world that no longer make sense with COVID-19 circulating widely in Auckland and spreading to other regions.

TINZT Tourism Academic Scholarship 2022 recipients announced

23 November 2021

Two students heading towards their final year of tertiary study have been selected as recipients for the 2022 Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) Tourism Academic Scholarship.

Pandemic affects domestic travel but satisfaction stays high

22 Nov 2021

Fewer New Zealanders have travelled to attend events around Aotearoa in the last year, with new research showing the impact of lockdowns on domestic travel.

A glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for tourism operators

17 November 2021

Today’s announcement that the Auckland boundary restrictions will be eased before Christmas is a first glimmer of light at the end of a long, dark tunnel for tourism operators both in the city and right around the country, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

TIA disappointed by premature return of concession fees

10 November 2021

The Department of Conservation’s announcement today that the concession activity fee waiver will end on 31 December is hugely disappointing, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Caution needed around adventure tourism proposals

8 November 2021

Tourism operators are managing natural hazard risks within their businesses but some practices could be improved without loading significant cost burdens onto operators.

Two major tourism events move online for 2021

28 October 2021

This year’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa and New Zealand Tourism Awards are transforming into innovative online events, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Tourism operators need more border certainty

28 October 2021

The slight easing of border restrictions for some international travellers is a small step in the right direction but tourism operators need more certainty about the Government’s plans for reconnecting New Zealand with the world, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

TIA Chief Executive stepping down

7 October 2021

After more than seven years as chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Chris Roberts will be stepping down effective from 31 January 2022.

Tourism accepted as NCEA subject, boosts industry

1 October 2021

The future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry is looking brighter with confirmation that Tourism has been accepted as a new NCEA Achievement Standard subject from 2023.

Wage subsidies must continue at Level 2, TIA says

1 October 2021

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is calling for wage subsidies to continue if Auckland’s boundaries remain closed next week, even if the city moves to Alert Level 2.

New residence pathway a relief to tourism businesses and their staff

30 September 2021

Tourism employers and their valuable workers from overseas will be delighted by the announcement today of a simplified pathway to residence.

Border levy increase disappoints tourism industry

29 Sept 2021

Tourism Industry Aotearoa says tourism operators will be dismayed that the cost is to go up for all travellers crossing New Zealand’s borders from 1 December.

TRENZ Connect keeps NZ tourism on international radar

23 Sept 2021

TRENZ Connect, the exciting new digital marketplace for the international travel trade to connect with international market-ready New Zealand tourism operators, launches today at www.trenzconnect.co.nz

Future TRENZ plans revealed

17 Sept 2021

Plans to showcase New Zealand’s tourism industry to influential international travel buyers in 2022 and 2023 have been revealed today by Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Wage subsidy continuation a relief to tourism businesses

7 September 2021

Tourism operators and their staff around the country will be relieved by today’s confirmation that the wage subsidy remains available to them, according to Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Survey finds severe mental health challenges among tourism operators

1 Sept 2021

Eighteen months after New Zealand’s borders closed, the mental health of tourism operators is under severe pressure, a new survey has found.

Alert level change gives NZ tourism operators hope

27 August 2021

Tourism operators around the motu are a step closer to getting back to business but most will not be able to open their doors until we reach Alert Level 2, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Reconnection plan provides clarity for tourism businesses

12 Aug 2021

The tourism industry is welcoming the increased clarity around when and how New Zealand will reconnect with the world, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

New Zealand Tourism Awards 2021 finalists revealed

2 August 2021

Tourism businesses operating from the Bay of Islands to Rakiura Stewart Island have today been named as finalists in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2021.

Bold ideas and a clear vision for Milford Sound Piopiotahi

28 July 2021

The Milford Opportunities Project’s masterplan has innovative, bold and challenging ideas that could radically change the way we look after one of the jewels in New Zealand’s tourism crown, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Visa and infrastructure announcements welcome news

16 July 2021

Many tourism employers around New Zealand and their highly valued employees on work visas will be delighted and relieved by today’s announcement extending Essential Skills Visas.

Higher travel levy will slow tourism recovery

2 July 2021

A proposal to increase a levy by more than 200% for all air travellers crossing the New Zealand border will be another brake on the tourism industry’s recovery, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Tourism industry moves forward as Summit makes Waikato debut

22 June 2021

Tourism Summit Aotearoa is heading to Kirikiriroa Hamilton for the first time, centred around a theme of “Kōkiri – Go forth!”

NZ Tourism Awards return for 2021

14 June 2021

Entries are open for the New Zealand Tourism Awards, returning for 2021 to showcase and celebrate the tourism industry’s individual and business successes.

Concern at extra charges on travellers

8 June 2021

New proposals which could see a massive hike in charges for all travellers crossing the New Zealand border are extremely troubling and should not go ahead, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

New Zealanders taking longer domestic holidays

18 May 2021

New Zealanders are spending more time on holiday in their own country and are really enjoying their experiences, new research shows.

Consistent national approach needed for freedom camping – TIA

14 May 2021

The Government’s review of freedom camping is an opportunity to create a nationally consistent approach to managing camping around the country, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Tourism industry keen to partner with Govt on revitalisation

6 May 2021

The tourism industry is looking forward to working with the Government on its plan to build a bright future for tourism in New Zealand, peak association Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

New digital platform to connect NZ with international travel trade

6 May 2021

A new way for New Zealand’s tourism industry to connect with the international travel trade, anytime and anywhere, has been announced today at TRENZ Hui 2021.

4 out of every 10 tourism jobs lost in last year, survey shows

5 May 2021

New Zealand’s tourism businesses have on average seen their revenues cut almost in half and have shed 4 out of every 10 of their staff, according to a new survey by Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Tourism operators gear up to revive and revitalise the industry

3 May 2021

New Zealand tourism operators are gearing up to collaborate on key challenges at TRENZ Hui 2021 in Ōtautahi Christchurch this week.

Trans-Tasman bubble benefits NZ 

29 April 2021

More people have entered New Zealand than have left since the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble.

Tourism industry prepares to futureproof its comeback

21 April 2021

An event to prepare the New Zealand tourism industry for the return of international visitors has reached capacity with more than 700 tourism operators registered to attend.

Tourism employers welcome back working holidaymakers

16 Apr 2021

Tourism businesses gearing up for the return of Australian visitors from next week will be relieved to learn that they will also have access to an offshore pool of much-needed job candidates, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Tourism industry supports better freedom camping management

9 April 2021

Tourism Industry Aotearoa supports Government efforts to further improve the management of freedom camping in New Zealand but says the proposals must be fully tested and assessed.

Supporting local tourism helps neighbourhoods thrive

8 April 2021

Championing small tourism businesses is a great way to support regions and local communities, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Warm welcome awaits Australian visitors to NZ

6 April 2021

Tourism operators around the country are breathing a sigh of relief at the opening of the trans-Tasman travel bubble on 19 April.

TIA urges Govt to continue Tourism Futures Taskforce mahi

26 March 2021

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is urging the Government to carry forward the work done by the Tourism Futures Taskforce so New Zealand can create a world-leading sustainable tourism future.

Tourism industry disappointed at delay in confirming Australian travel date

22 March 2021

Thousands of keen travellers and the tourism businesses ready to welcome them will be disappointed to learn they must wait another two weeks for guidance on when quarantine-free trans-Tasman travel might begin.

Tourism is ready to work with Govt on industry future

19 March 2021

New Zealand’s tourism industry is ready and willing to work with the Government on the revival of the industry but needs immediate action and a clear roadmap to recovery, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

TRENZ transforms for international tourism revival

12 March 2021

New Zealand’s biggest annual international tourism business event has a new name and a new format to support Kiwi tourism operators in preparing for the reopening of our borders.

TIA Chief Exec named AuSAE Association Influencer 2020

1 March 2021

TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts has been selected as one of 13 New Zealand and Australian Association Influencers in 2020.

Pandemic changes NZ domestic travel habits, satisfaction high

25 Feb 2021

The pandemic has changed Kiwis’ domestic travel habits and we are loving holidaying at home, new research shows.

Environmental report a valuable contribution to tourism debate

18 Feb 2021

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s proposals to address environmental challenges facing tourism makes a valuable contribution to discussion on the industry’s future, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Visitor strategy a positive step for DOC and the tourism industry

17 Feb 2021

It’s been a long time coming, but Tourism Industry Aotearoa is pleased that the Department of Conservation finally has a Heritage and Visitor Strategy.

Increase sick leave but support employers, TIA says

29 January 2021

Increasing sick leave entitlements will help protect the health of New Zealanders but employers need support to meet the extra costs, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Hotel room incomes plummeted in 2020

11 January 2020

Data from New Zealand's largest and longest running hotel benchmarking programme shows the devastating impact of the pandemic on hotel revenues, with overall room income in 2020 falling by 40%.

New statistics show importance of tourism to NZ recovery

22 December 2020

The critical importance of the tourism industry to New Zealand’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been reinforced by the latest statistics.

TRENZ returning as hybrid event in 2021

15 December 2020

New Zealand's biggest annual international travel and trade event is set to return in 2021 – but not in its usual form.

Tourism students awarded $4500 scholarships

19 November 2020

Two tertiary students have each received a $4500 boost to help them complete their final year of study and prepare for their prospective careers in the tourism industry.

Lincoln University academic wins top tourism award

18 Nov 2020

Tourism’s most prestigious individual honour, the Sir Jack Newman Award, has been presented to a university academic for the first time.

Tourism operators struggling with staffing

17 Nov 2020

Staffing is one of the biggest headaches for New Zealand tourism operators at present, even though their businesses continue to be impacted by the closed borders.

Tourism industry reunites to revive and revitalise

16 November 2020

More than 300 tourism leaders and stakeholders will gather in Wellington tomorrow to focus on the revival and revitalisation of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Small business needs recognised by reference group

9 November 2020

A new group has been established by Tourism Industry Aotearoa to explore the challenges and opportunities facing small tourism businesses.

TIA welcomes Nash to tourism portfolio

2 November 2020

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is welcoming the appointment of Stuart Nash as Minister of Tourism and looks forward to working with him on the industry’s recovery.

Govt’s first 100 days critical to tourism

19 October 2020

In its first 100 days, the new Government must make plans to reopen New Zealand’s borders and issue a $200 domestic Travel Card to every Kiwi, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Tourism industry continues to need people

12 Oct 2020

While thousands of tourism jobs have been lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must guard against future labour and skill shortages, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Improved data & research needed for tourism industry revival

7 Oct 2020

The dearth of data and research available to New Zealand’s tourism industry must be addressed to support its revival, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

TIA offers helping hand to adventure tourism operators

2 October 2020

Cash-strapped adventure tourism operators are being offered a helping hand by Tourism Industry Aotearoa so they can complete safety audits.

Bold changes needed to grow conservation and tourism

25 September 2020

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is calling on the incoming Government to be bold in overhauling conservation legislation in the interests of both the natural environment and tourism.

Pandemic offers unique opportunity to shape NZ tourism industry

15 September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic offers New Zealand a unique opportunity to shape a tourism industry that delivers real benefits for New Zealanders, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Government support needed to create great places to live and visit

14 September 2020

The next Government must give a revitalised tourism industry a central role in the recovery of New Zealand’s regions, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Flight restrictions causing school holiday uncertainty

10 September 2020

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is calling on the Government to loosen physical distancing requirements on domestic aircraft to give families the opportunity to make school holiday bookings.

True partnership needed for tourism recovery

4 September 2020

When the new Government is elected, tourism operators will be looking for a clear signal that it is willing to work in close partnership on rebuilding the industry, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Tourism industry unites to revive and revitalise

3 September 2020

Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Greg Foran is among notable speakers at this year’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa, a full-day event focusing on the revival and revitalisation of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Tourism industry redoubles sustainability efforts

27 August 2020

Tourism Industry Aotearoa has today unveiled a refreshed version of the sustainability platform for the industry – the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment-He Kupu Taurangi Kia Toitū Ai Te Tāpoitanga.

Keeping New Zealand safe puts heavy burden on tourism operators

24 August 2020

While recognising that the extension of the COVID-19 Alert Levels is needed to protect the health of New Zealanders, it will put more pressure on tourism businesses around the country who are desperately trying to survive, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

New Govt must have the vision to revitalise tourism

7 August 2020

The incoming Government must have the vision to take bold decisions to fix issues that have long prevented tourism from delivering maximum benefit to New Zealanders, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Government job not yet done for tourism

1 August 2020

The tourism industry is feeling underwhelmed by the Government’s latest allocation of funding to support devastated tourism businesses, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

Industry bodies unite to call for ongoing Govt assistance

28 July 2020

Industry organisations from across the tourism, travel, aviation, hospitality and event sectors have joined forces to plead for assurance about Government plans for ongoing support.

Action plan for incoming Govt to revive tourism industry

23 July 2020

Priority actions for the incoming Government to revive and revitalise the tourism industry have been unveiled today by Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Staff retention top of mind for desperate tourism businesses

17 July 2020

Almost three quarters of tourism businesses want further wage support from government, according to a new survey by Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

NZ and Australian travellers vital to NZ hotel survival

1 July 2020

Stimulation of domestic travel and opening the borders to Australia are the top priorities for hotels to remain open for the next 12 months, according to a new survey.

Earlier media releases

To see copies of earlier TIA media releases email TIA Communications Manager Ann-Marie Johnson, ann-marie.johnson@tia.org.nz