TIA works hard to raise public awareness about the value of tourism. We comment on a range of tourism issues in the media, to highlight matters of importance to our members, and to make sure tourism is better understood.

May 2012

Australians increasing departure tax – Radio Live, 17 May
(audio link, click on Thursday 17 May at 4.45pm: item starts at 11’35”) TIA Policy & Research Manager Simon Wallace discusses the Australian departure tax increase.

Australia's passenger movement charge increased - On Demand ... – Newstalk ZB 17 May 2012
(audio link) Australia Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive John Lee talks to Mike Hosking about the 'passenger movement charge' being increased ...

Tourism bosses decry increase in Australian flight tax – Radio NZ Checkpoint, 17 May 2012
(audio link) The Prime Minister, John Key, is promising to help fight an eight dollar increase in Australian departure tax on behalf of tourism operators. (3′36″)

Departure tax hike 'slap in face' - Otago Daily Times - 18th May 2012
The Australian Government's decision to increase its passenger departure tax by 17% to $NZ71 is a "slap in the face" for both countries' tourism industries, Tourism Industry Association New...

Aussie departure tax hike sparks fears for Aussie tourism – Mountain Scene, 17 May 2012
A hike in Australia’s airport passenger departure tax has been slammed as a slap in the face for trans-Tasman tourism.

Aussie departure tax hike a ‘cash grab’ – TV3, 17 May 2012
The Australian government's move to hike its departure tax has been labelled a cash grab by tourism industry bodies on both sides of the Tasman.

Tourism sector decries increase in Australian flight tax – Radio NZ, 17 May 2012
Tourism bosses in Australia and New Zealand are upset the Australian Government is raising its traveller departure tax by 17%.

Tourism groups vow to fight 17pc hike in Aussie departure tax – NZ Herald, 17 May 2012
Australia's tourism lobby groups are getting in behind a challenge to that nation's 17 per cent hike in departure tax, which may squeeze New Zealand's biggest source of visitors.

Tourism industries slam departure tax hike – ABC News, 18 May 2012
New Zealand's prime minister John Key will meet Julia Gillard over the planned rise in Australia's departure tax.

Travel chiefs declare war on airline tax – NZ Herald, 18 May 2012
New Zealand and Australian travel chiefs are stepping up their campaign against new passenger taxes which they say could be the tipping point for a 10 per cent plunge in transtasman tourism.

Tax rise bumps up cost of Australian holidays – Dominion Post, 18 May 2012
A Kiwi family of four will soon pay almost $550 in taxes and fees for the pleasure of flying to Australia and back.

Australia increases travel taxes for Kiwis – TVNZ, 17 May 2012
There are concerns an increase to travel taxes imposed by Australia will affect trans-Tasman travel.

Doubt cast on Govt's 'Mondayising' costings - Otago Daily Times - 17th May 2012
Documents released under the Official Information Act have raised doubts about government estimates it would cost about $400 million to "Mondayise" two public holidays, Dunedin North Labour...

PM urged to challenge Aust departure tax hike - Otago Daily Times - 15th May 2012
New Zealand's tourism industry lobby has called on Prime Minister John Key to challenge a 17 percent hike in departure taxes in Australia.

Toast to cycling among thevines - Hawkes Bay Today - 14th May 2012
Cycle trails with a splash of wine are being marketed by Hawke's Bay tourism operators looking to grow their international client database over the coming holiday seasons.

Tourism optimism on mend: PM - Otago Daily Times - 14th May 2012
Trenz 2012 ended for 1000 delegates with a huge farewell party encompassing all ground-floor eateries and bars at the Steamer Wharf and on TSS Earnslaw on Thursday night.

Tourism chiefs: NZ needs to up its game - Christchurch Press - 13th May 2012
The past three years have been tough for tourism. The global financial crisis, fuel prices, exchange rates and two crippling earthquakes have taken their toll.

Overseas tourists targeted at tourism expo – TVNZ, 12 May 2012
Overseas tourists targeted at tourism expo. A tourism expo held in Queestown has showcased New Zealand to overseas travel operators.

It’s party time after money-spinning talks – Southland Times, 12 May 2012
Bleary-eyed Trenz delegates left Queenstown yesterday after a massive wharfside party marked days of talks potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rotorua loses bid to host TRENZ 2013 – Daily Post, 11 May 2012
The Trenz tourism industry expo will not be coming back to Rotorua in 2013.

Prime Minister defends NZ's tourism safety record - Otago Daily Times - 11th May 2012
It is "totally unacceptable" for adventure tourism operators to have drugs and alcohol in their systems, Prime Minister John Key said in Queenstown yesterday.

Trenz again deemed a success - Otago Daily Times - 11th May 2012
About 1000 delegates begin to head home today after Trenz 2012. It was deemed a success by many on the "ground floor" of the prominent international travel trade show in Queenstown.

TRENZ: Business, conservation can work together – Daily Post, 11 May 2012
Business and conservation can work hand in hand - each enhancing the work of the other.

TRENZ: Rotorua operators attract interest – Daily Post, 11 May 2012
Rotorua's tourism sector has attracted good levels of interest from good-quality buyers at the annual Trenz tourism industry expo in Queenstown this week.

Indonesian celeb charms Queenstown – Fairfax, 11 May 2012
Indonesia's spicy attractions will rise on New Zealand travellers' itineraries after the arrival of the country's hottest chef.

Marlborough on a plate with the fire roaring – Marlborough Express, 10 May 2012
The fortune bit has not happened but I am sure my bank manager is making a small one out of our mortgage.

Flag flying high at Trenz - Marlborough Express - 10th May 2012
Marlborough has been drawing a crowd at the Trenz 2012 tourism conference in Queenstown this week.

Salmon - tourism link - Marlborough Express - 10th May 2012
Destination Marlborough and New Zealand King Salmon have formed a partnership which will see each company leverage off the other's marketing campaigns.

TRENZ: Great presentation a good first step – Daily Post, 10 May 2012
Comment: Presentation may not be everything but it certainly counts for something.

Tourism disasters put pressure on industry – TVNZ, 10 May 2012  
Tourism disasters put pressure on industry. The Tourism Association says comprehensive safety measures are already in place.

Adventure tourism safety questioned by bereaved UK family – Radio NZ Nine to Noon, 10 May 2012
(audio link) The New Zealand adventure tourisom industry has seen more than 50 deaths in 8 years. (25′50″)

Calls mount for tighter regulation of adventure tourism – Radio NZ Morning Report, 10 May 2012
(audio link) Bereaved families say the regulation of the adventure tourism industry is taking too long. (3′44″)

PM rejects 'unsafe' tourism claims - Otago Daily Times - 10th May 2012
Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key has today rejected ''facts'' used by the father of a Fox Glacier plane crash victim to claim in an internet campaign New Zealand as unsafe for...

Balloon crash: Govt looks at mandatory drug testing - New Zealand Herald - 10th May 2012
The Government says there is sufficient evidence to support mandatory drug testing in the adventure tourism industry after a report into the Carterton ballooning tragedy released today said...

Dead tourist's dad wants more action - 3 News - 10th May 2012
The father of a British tourist who drowned while riverboarding near Queenstown four years ago wants the regulation of New Zealand's adventure tourism industry sped up.

Balloon crash: Govt looks at mandatory drug testing - New Zealand Herald - 10th May 2012
The Government says there is sufficient evidence to support mandatory drug testing in the adventure tourism industry after a report into the Carterton ballooning tragedy released today said...

Death 'one too many' - Southland Times - 10th May 2012
The Fox Glacier plane crash that killed nine parachuters and sparked fresh questions on the safety of adventure tourism could have been avoided, Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key...

Tourism drug test call - Dominion Post - 10th May 2012
The Government needs to consider mandatory drug testing in the tourism industry following revelations of drug use in two air tragedies, Prime Minister John Key says.

Tourism industry hits back over grieving father’s warning – TVNZ Breakfast, 10 May 2012
New Zealand's adventure tourism industry says it is a world leader, after the UK father of a skydiving crash victim told people to think twice before visiting this country for adventure sport.

PM backs drug testing in adventure tourism industry – Mountain Scene, 10 May 2012
The Government will investigate the possibility of drug and alcohol testing in the adventure tourism industry.

Auckland Airport wants rich Chinese tourists - 3 News - 10th May 2012
Auckland Airport wants to attract rich Chinese tourists to New Zealand.

Controversial airport deal’s major market spin-offs – Mountain Scene, 10 May 2012
Queenstown’s “big leg up” in expanding Asian markets wouldn’t have been the same without its Auckland Airport alliance, Auckland’s boss says. 

‘Sexy chef’ and easy to see why – Mountain Scene, 10 May 2012
Glamorous Indonesian TV star Farah Quinn – known as the sexy chef – created quite a stir in Queenstown on Tuesday night. 

Making our mark in Asia – Mountain Scene, 10 May 2012
Major investment in Asia is paying off for New Zealand and Queenstown tourism operators. 

Beauty and the feast – Southland Times, 9 May 2012
High-profile Indonesian TV celebrity chef Farah Quinn specialises in pastries but you wouldn't know it. She's even cooked pecan pie, peach pie and other southern United States delicacies for former First Lady, Laura Bush.

New adventure tourism rules fall short – NZ Newswire, 8 May 2012
New adventure tourism rules aimed at ensuring businesses are up to scratch don't cover all activities and could even discourage people from taking guided tours, an industry auditor says.

High hopes for TRENZ – Fairfax, 8 May 2012
The tourism industry's main showcasing event, Trenz 2012, is drawing about 1000 exhibitors, overseas travel buyers and media to Queenstown from today.

Wellington a holiday hotspot - Dominion Post - 8th May 2012
Wellington is the hot spot domestic tourists would most like to visit in the next six months, according to a new survey.

Christchurch still a tourism hot spot – Fairfax, 8 May 2012
Christchurch remains a popular stop for tourists despite all the disruption from the earthquakes, a new survey says.

Chch remains popular for visitors - Christchurch Press - 8th May 2012
Christchurch remains the fourth most popular destination for New Zealanders holidaying in their own country, despite the earthquakes,a new survey shows.

Tourists spending less time in NZ - 3 News - 8th May 2012
More tourists might be visiting New Zealand but they are not staying as long and not spending as much money, tourism bosses say.

Hobbit seen as bigger draw than Lord of Rings - Otago Daily Times - 7th May 2012
The tourism industry is gathering in Queenstown for its annual sales pitch to buyers from around the world, with high hopes the Hobbit movies will prove an irresistible lure to tourists.

City puts best foot forward at TRENZ – Daily Post, 7 May 2012
Rotorua's tourism sector is gearing up for next week's Trenz trade show in Queenstown, but it is facing new competition in its bid to host the event in 2013.

Southern Lakes hosts tourism showcase – TVNZ Breakfast, 7 May 2012
The biggest tourism business event on the NZ calendar is being held this week in Queenstown.

1000 delegates likely to attend Trenz - Otago Daily Times - 7th May 2012
About 1000 national and international travel buyers, tourism operators and media representatives will descend on Queenstown today for the big Trenz travel trade expo.

Hobbit seen as bigger draw than Lord of Rings - New Zealand Herald - 7th May 2012
The tourism industry is gathering in Queenstown for its annual sales pitch to buyers from around the world, with high hopes the Hobbit movies will prove an irresistible lure to tourists.

Tourism showcase starts in Queenstown - 3 News - 7th May 2012
Hundreds of tourism bigwigs - including about 300 overseas buyers - will descend on Queenstown this week for a conference designed to drum up more business for the sector.

Travel buyers to taste wares - Otago Daily Times - 7th May 2012
Queenstown welcomes the world of tourism for the second consecutive year when the premier travel trade fair Trenz opens socially tonight and gets down to business tomorrow.

Lofty support for conference - Southland Times - 7th May 2012
Tourism heavyweights from home and abroad are in Queenstown for Trenz, which tourism and prime minister John Key told The Southland Times was the single most important tourism event in the...

Indonesian reps at Trenz - Christchurch Press - 7th May 2012
The New Zealand tourism industry's main showcasing event, Trenz 2012, is drawing about 1000 exhibitors, overseas travel buyers and media to Queenstown from today.

Chinese tourists 'evolving' - Southland Times - 7th May 2012
One of China's million high-rolling millionaires could turn up anywhere, any time in New Zealand and tourism operators should be braced, two Chinese market specialists say.

Waitaki presence at Trenz - Otago Daily Times - 5th May 2012
Representatives from Tourism Waitaki and the Waitaki Development Board will extol the virtues of the district's tourist attractions to up to 1000 national and international delegates as well...

Hope tourists take to trails - Otago Daily Times - 4th May 2012
Central Otago cycle trails will be marketed to international tourism operators next week in the hope of establishing the region as New Zealand's premier cycle tourism destination.

Benefits trickle down trail - Wanganui Chronicle - 3rd May 2012
Ruapehu businesses reaped the benefits of the Mountains to Sea cycleway this summer - and the perks are just starting to trickle down to Wanganui.

Arrowtown joins forces for TRENZ – Mountain Scene, 3 May 2012
Arrowtown businesses have joined forces to debut at the country’s top tourism trade show next week. 

Safety hold-ups row – Mountain Scene, 3 May 2012
The Civil Aviation Authority is wrangling with Queenstown adventure flying companies, claiming deliberate delays to meet its new safety regime. 

Food, glorious Kiwi food - Otago Daily Times - 2nd May 2012
More than 300 international travel buyers and media attending Trenz in Queenstown next week will get a taste of home-made cuisine and beverages in between appointments.

April 2012

Overlander rail service to be cut back – RadioLive, 25 Apr 2012
The tourism industry is welcoming changes to the Overlander rail link between the North Island's two major cities.

World of NZ tourism at Trenz – Otago Daily Times, 25 Apr 2012
Trenz 2012 returns to Queenstown and the Southern Lakes in early May after $164 million worth of new business resulted from the trade expo's resort debut last year.

Passport-free 'Anzac expressway' ditched by NZ - New Zealand Herald - 25th Apr 2012
A passport-free "Anzac expressway" has been proposed by officials across the Ditch, but the New Zealand Government says the idea is no longer a priority.

Three major tourism expos loom - Otago Daily Times - 25th Apr 2012
Three major international tourism expos are aligned for the first time in Queenstown this year, offering priceless exposure to thousands of trade and media delegates.

Chch picked to shine at Trenz 2012 - Christchurch Press - 24th Apr 2012
Despite a fall in the number of Canterbury tourism operators signed up to attend the annual industry showcase known as Trenz 2012, organisers are confident the quake-hit region will be given...

Federation sets the standard - Hawkes Bay Today - 24th Apr 2012
The new chief executive of the Tourism Industry Association (TIA), Martin Sneddon, is looking to Federated Farmers as a benchmark setting industry lobby group, according to the Manawatu...

Tourism season disappoints many - Otago Daily Times - 23rd Apr 2012
Summer trade exceeded expectations for less than half of about 250 tourism operators surveyed by the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) in March.

Business leaders plead for progress on convention centre – Radio NZ Morning Report, 20 Apr 2012
(audio link) Business leaders are frustrated the debate about building an international convention centre has being derailed by talk about politics and pokies. (3′35″)

Business frustrated at lack of progress on convention centre– Radio NZ Morning Report, 20 Apr 2012
(audio link) Business leaders are frustrated the debate over the building of an international convention centre has being derailed by talk about politics and pokies. (2′19″)

NZ POLITICS DAILY: Pokies + Crafar Farms = govt losing control? - National Business Review - 19th Apr 2012
Ministers beyond Key, English and Joyce aren't doing the hard yards?

TIA calls for national convention centre – Newstalk ZB, 19 Apr 2012
(audio link: click on Thursday 7.45am, interview starts 3-4 mins) TIA chair Norm Thompson discusses the need for a national convention centre.

Pokies used to bankroll convention centre – Newstalk ZB, 19 Apr 2012
There's belief that pokies are the only way to bankroll a convention centre for Auckland.

Poor summer hits tourism industry – Newstalk ZB, 19 Apr 2012
The almost non-existent summer has had an impact on the tourism industry.

Hobbits hold hope for tourism operators - 3 News - 19th Apr 2012
The Rugby World Cup gave tourism operators a bit of a hangover that a rotten summer couldn't soothe, but now they are hoping Hobbits will hold the tonic.

Labour launches website over PM's pokie deal - Otago Daily Times - 18th Apr 2012
Labour has launched a website challenging Prime Minister John Key's Sky City deal that would allow the casino to have more pokie machines in return for a multimillion-dollar convention centre.

Outrage over government’s Sky City deal – TV3, 18 Apr 2012
The government is facing outrage from opposition parties over Sky City's deal to build a convention centre in return for more pokie machines.

Tourism industry backs controversial convention centre – Stuff, 18 Apr 2012
The tourism industry has weighed in behind a national convention centre as the Government comes under mounting pressure to scrap the deal with SkyCity that would see the convention centre built in exchange for more pokies.

Lord of the rip-offs, Aussies accuse Kiwis – New Zealand Herald, 18 Apr 2012
Australian Lord of the Rings fans have accused Kiwis of exploiting tourists by overcharging for tours of the major movie attraction.

Exciting new products for tourism expo - Otago Daily Times - 16th Apr 2012
Queenstown tourism operators Art Adventure, Guided Walks New Zealand and Peppers Beacon Resort will unveil some of the 78 new tourism products on the market at Trenz next month.

Fears of tourism 'cash cows' - Christchurch Press - 15th Apr 2012
A growing trend by local authorities to milk tourists for every dollar upsets tourism, writes Lois Cairns.

Focus on Arrowtown tourism - Otago Daily Times - 16th Apr 2012
Promoting Arrowtown as a "must-stay destination" is the aim of its tourism strategy for the next three years, to be shaped by business owners in a workshop tomorrow.

Tourism industry rejects bed taxes – Stuff, 13 Apr 2012
Moteliers, hoteliers and tourism advocates have come out strongly against suggestions by both Auckland and Queenstown councils that "bed taxes" targeting tourists could be used to bolster the public purse.

Further mergers could boost tourism – The Press, 11 Apr 2012
Tourism groups have been considering whether to join the recently merged Tourism Industry Association and the New Zealand Hotel Council, but further consolidation will likely take some time.

John Key coming to Trenz - Otago Daily Times - 9th Apr 2012
Prime Minister John Key will be one of several notable tourism industry players to attend Trenz in Queenstown next month, organisers say.

Tourism levy fears – Mountain Scene, 5 Apr 2012
Two prominent tourism leaders are frowning about a Queenstown Lakes District Council plan to introduce a form of visitor levy. 

Fears UK flight tax will increase visitor decline – Newstalk ZB, 2 Apr 2012
Tourism industry groups in Australia and New Zealand fear the latest increase in the UK's flight tax will further accelerate already declining British visitor arrivals.

Exchange rate, increased departure fee hurting UK arrivals - National Business Review - 2nd Apr 2012
New Zealand’s stronger dollar will have a worse effect on declining British visitor numbers than an increase in UK departure fees, an aviation consultant says.

Tourism industry critical of rise in British air tax – Radio NZ, 2 Apr 2012
The Tourism Industry Association has sharply criticised the United Kingdom for increasing the tax on passengers flying from Britain to New Zealand.

March 2012

Martin Snedden to lead TIA – RadioLive, 30 Mar 2012
(audio link – click on Fri 30/3 at 17.30pm; interview begins at 9’14”) Martin Snedden, who as a result of RWC became a household name, has been tapped to lead the national tourism lobby group.

Snedden tapped to lead tourism body - Otago Daily Times - 2nd Apr 2012
Rugby World Cup 2011 chief Martin Snedden has been appointed as new chief executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) and will begin in early June.

Snedden lands top Tourism Industry Association job – Newstalk, 30 Mar 2012
Rugby World Cup boss Martin Snedden has landed the top job at the Tourism Industry Association.

Snedden tapped to lead tourism lobby – NZ Herald, 30 Mar 2012
Martin Snedden, who led the company in charge of managing last year's Rugby World Cup, has been tapped to lead New Zealand's national tourism lobby group.

Martin Snedden to lead tourism industry group – The Press, 30 Mar 2012
Rugby World Cup 2011 boss Martin Snedden has been appointed as the Tourism Industry Association's new chief executive.

Two of New Zealand tourism's key bodies are to merge – Radio NZ, 28 Mar 2012
The Tourism Industry Association and the New Zealand Hotel Council will join forces from 1 April this year.

Arrowtown to show its wares at Trenz - Otago Daily Times - 28th Mar 2012
Arrowtown will promote itself to global tourism product buyers and media delegates when it is featured at travel trade expo Trenz for the first time in its own right in May.

Merger confirmed - Otago Daily Times - 28th Mar 2012
Tourism operators will have a single entity representing their interests when the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) and the New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) merge on April 1.

Tourism Industry Association, Hotel Council to merge – National Business Review, 27 Mar 2012
BUSINESSDESK: New Zealand’s Tourism Industry Association and Hotel Council have agreed to merge on April 1, in a move they say will give the $23 billion sector a stronger voice in lobbying government.

Trenz attracts media attention - Otago Daily Times - 26th Mar 2012
About 60 Wakatipu, national and international media delegates will bolster exposure of the Southern Lakes and New Zealand tourism when Trenz is held in Queenstown in six weeks' time.

Tourism body asks aboutcuts - Wairarapa Times-Age - 22nd Mar 2012
The organisation charged with promoting tourism in Wairarapa is calling on the Government to clarify what impact planned reforms could have on the sector.

Key: Council core functions to be narrower – Dominion Post, 21 Mar 2012
The Government is already diluting its proposed radical reforms of local body functions, saying cycleways, boat races and rugby stadiums could have a public interest.

Domestic business travel surges in 2011 – New Zealand Herald, 21 Mar 2012
There was a big jump in domestic travel last year, with an 11.3 per cent increase in overnight trips by local tourists.

Weather weighs on accommodation stats – New Zealand Herald, 13 Mar 2012
Lousy summer weather and the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes cut demand for hotels, backpacker lodges and holiday parks in January.

Asian air links boost tourism – Stuff – 6^th Mar 2012
New air links to Asia have helped international tourism numbers top one million arrivals and departures in January, the highest monthly number ever…

Trenz shows confidence - Otago Daily Times - 5th Mar 2012
Organisers of Trenz, New Zealand's biggest tourism trade show, are banging the drum for industry confidence after a turbulent 2011, now that 302 buyers from more than 30 countries have...

February 2012

Te Puia boss ‘humbled’ by welcome – Daily Post, 28 Feb 2012
Te Puia's new chief executive, Tim Cossar, called his welcome to the tourism attraction and Maori arts and crafts institute as "very humbling".

Tourism bonanza thanks to Cupfans - Northern Advocate - 21st Feb 2012
Northland's tourism industry is celebrating an increase in visitors to the region last year, thanks largely to the Rugby World Cup.

Fyfe attacks EU carbon tax on flights – NZ Herald, 21 Feb 2012
The European Union's inclusion of international airlines in its emissions trading system has come under fire from Air New Zealand boss Rob Fyfe amid talk it could trigger a trade war.

National park access charges for tourists mooted – Wilderness Magazine, 17 Feb 2012
A Ministry of Economic Development briefing paper presented to Minister of Tourism John Key suggests international visitors be charged to access New Zealand's national parks.

Merger plan welcomed - Otago Daily Times - 17th Feb 2012
The intended merger of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) and the New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) by April 1 will be "business as usual" for Queenstown hoteliers, with...

Editorial: Monday Monday - Southland Times - 15th Feb 2012
OPINION: The man after whom Invercargill is named wouldn't have approved of Mondayising holidays like Anzac and Waitangi days.

RWC tourist boost worth up to $340m - New Zealand Herald - 15th Feb 2012
The Rugby World Cup boosted tourist spending last year by about a quarter of a billion dollars, according to a study by the Ministry of Economic Development.

World Cup boosts visitor numbers to record levels - Otago Daily Times - 14th Feb 2012
The Rugby World Cup helped take international visitor numbers to record levels last year - but they watched their pennies while they were here.

No one keen to foot the bill for Auckland's transport projects – Radio NZ Checkpoint, 13 Feb 2012
Regional taxes, higher rates and road tolls are being looked at to make up for a funding shortfall of up to 15 billion dollars in Auckland. (3′24″)

 Tourists ‘can pay more’ – Mountain Scene, 9 Feb 2012
A controversial suggestion to charge overseas visitors higher than holidaying Kiwis is raising eyebrows in tourism and business circles. 

Tourism bodies set to merge – Mountain Scene, 12 Feb 2012
TWO New Zealand tourism bodies which represent scores of Queenstown businesses are likely to join forces.

Holiday proposal - Otago Daily Times - 13th Feb 2012
A proposed law to "Monday-ise" Waitangi Day and Anzac Days when they fall on weekends will stimulate domestic tourism, the lobbying Tourism Industry Association New Zealand says.

Parks tourist tax mooted - Otago Daily Times - 9th Feb 2012
International tourists could be charged for access to the country's national parks.

National to discuss holiday changes – NZ Herald, 8 Feb 2012
National will consider supporting legislation to "Monday-ise" Anzac Day and Waitangi Day holidays, Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

City benefits from camping education - Rotorua Daily Post - 7th Feb 2012
Freedom camping is not considered a major problem in Rotorua, but the city is benefiting from a nationwide campaign to better educate camping tourists.

January 2012

Campers get the message - Marlborough Express - 31st Jan 2012
Complaints about freedom camping have dropped in Marlborough thanks to a campaign educating travellers to stick to designated camping areas.

Businesses urged to link up with NZ cycle trail network - Otago Daily Times - 27th Jan 2012
Businesses are being invited to partner the Government's $50 million New Zealand Cycle Trail to market themselves and the 18 other rides to the world.

Morning Business for 25 January 2012 – Radio New Zealand Morning Report
(audio link, item begins at 3’24”) The high New Zealand dollar and ongoing European debt crisis are likely to further dent New Zealand’s tourism sector this year.

Rocky year ahead for tourism - New Zealand Herald - 23rd Jan 2012
Consolidation is inevitable in the tourism sector with operators facing a particularly tough year, according to a leading industry player.

Queenstown hosting tourism show again - Otago Daily Times - 23rd Jan 2012
The Trenz tourism industry trade show's inaugural Queenstown outing last year has been highly rated by delegates and preparations are falling into place for its return this year.

Feeling positive about tourism – Dominion Post, 18 Jan 2012
Tim Cossar's life for much of the past 12 years has been absolutely positively about Wellington.

BBC host apologies for insulting NZ – TVNZ, 12 Jan 2012
A British radio host has been forced to apologise after announcing that NZ is 'boring'.

Air New Zealand named world's top airline - New Zealand Herald - 10th Jan 2012
A global airline industry magazine has named Air New Zealand the world's top airline for the second time in three years.

World Cup mixed bag for Bay operators - Bay of Plenty Times - 8th Jan 2012
The Rugby World Cup proved a mixed bag for the Western Bay of Plenty, with some tourism operators reporting a marked increase in turnover while others struggled to stay out of the red.

Mixed results for tourism from RWC 2011 – TV3 – 5^th Jan 2012
Tourism operators are reporting mixed feelings about the impact of Rugby World Cup 2011 on their businesses.

Mixed results over RWC tourism impact – TVNZ – 5^th Jan 2012
The Tourism Industry Association is confident that New Zealand tourism will continue to reap the benefits of last year's Rugby World Cup, despite mixed feelings on the tournament's success from industry operators.

Snowsport tourism fails to fire during World Cup – Dominion Post – 6^th Jan 2012
The snowsports industry and other tourism operators are feeling the chill, after the Rugby World Cup failed to provide much- vaunted boosts to businesses.

Cup fails to deliver tourism boost – NZ Herald – 5^th Jan 2012
More than half of tourism operators say the Rugby World Cup didn't provide the tourism boost promised, a survey has found.

RWC not always a tourist bonanza - survey – Radio NZ – 5^th Jan 2012
A survey by the Tourism Industry Association shows a third of operators thought their business fared worse during the Rugby World Cup than in the same period in 2010.

Mixed results for tourism industry during Rugby World Cup – Radio Rhema – 5^th Jan 2012
The Rugby World Cup is being described by some tourism operators as either feast or famine.

 

Rotorua's tourism sector is gearing up for next week's Trenz trade show in Queenstown, but it is facing new competition in its bid to host the event in 2013.

 

 

That’s the spirit – Mountain Scene, 10 May 2012
Throngs of TRENZ delegates and queues of coaches at the Events Centre can only mean one thing – mass famil time. 

 

 

3000-capacity convention centre for ChCh - Christchurch Press - 10th May 2012
Prime Minister John Key says Christchurch remains part of a national convention centre strategy, with a larger complex able to host 3000 people likely to replace the quake-hit centre.

Cost to Canty tourism $230m - Christchurch Press - 10th May 2012
Canterbury's tourism businesses lost $230 million last year because of earthquake destruction and overseas visitors shunning the city.

More transtasman flights for resort - Otago Daily Times - 10th May 2012
Air New Zealand and alliance partner Virgin Australia will boost direct flights between Australia and Queenstown by 8% this winter to meet expected high demand from Australian snowsports fans.

Christchurch Airport looks beyond AAX - 3 News - 9th May 2012
Malaysian low-cost airline Air Asia X is ending its short-lived direct flight to Christchurch at the end of the month, with Christchurch Airport battling to find more direct links.

Aussie tourists avoiding Christchurch - 3 News - 9th May 2012
Australians are the most reluctant tourists to return to earthquake-recovering Christchurch, says the city's tourism head.

Japanese charter flights for Chch - Christchurch Press - 9th May 2012
Air New Zealandplans a series of charter flights to bring Japanese tourists to Christchurch, which is still suffering a visitor downturn from the earthquakes.

Chch ready to welcome tourists - Southland Times - 9th May 2012
Queenstown should benefit from a push by the resurgent Christchurch tourism industry, airport, and Air New Zealand to draw back tourists after the Canterbury earthquakes.

Tourism NZ and Qantas join forces – Fairfax, 9 May 2012
Qantas and Tourism New Zealand have committed $4 million to promote New Zealand in the key tourism markets of Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

TRENZ: Key is in longer stays, visitor spend – Daily Post, 9 May 2012
New Zealand's tourism sector needs to move its focus from arrival numbers to length of stay and visitor spend if it wants to make the most of the opportunities out there.

Air NZ ramps up Queenstown traffic – Mountain Scene, 9 May 2012
Queenstown can expect an influx of Trans-Tasman and domestic visitors thanks to Air New Zealand ramping up flights to the resort.

TRENZ – a perfect mix of business and pleasure – Mountain Scene, 9 May 2012
A curious observer could describe TRENZ like a good mullet – business at the front and a big old party out back.

 

 

 

Eyes on Asia for future of tourism - Otago Daily Times - 9th May 2012
Chinese and Asian tourism markets are expected to overtake Western markets in importance to New Zealand in 10 years' time, Tourism New Zealand says.

 

 

 

Executive emphasises China link - Otago Daily Times - 9th May 2012
Visit China, meet travel sellers, work with Destination Queenstown and get on the learning curve for the growing Chinese tourism market, is the advice for Queenstown operators from Tourism...

 

 

Trenz sets scene for tourism innovations - Southland Times - 9th May 2012
A raft of Queenstown tourism companies have announced investment innovations timed to co-coincide with Trenz making the most of national and international exposure.

Queenstown energy great for tourism – minister – Mountain Scene, 9 May 2012
The energy in Queenstown for tourism is inspiring Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain.

Trenz sets scene for company announcements - Otago Daily Times - 9th May 2012
New Zealand's tourism industry and its associates opened the flood gates of announcements capitalising on Trenz 2012 in Queenstown this week. James Beech reports the highlights.

Among best cycle routes - Otago Daily Times - 9th May 2012
Otago Peninsula is still considered one of the world's best places to cycle, featuring at No 8 on the Lonely Planet's list of the world's 10 best cycle routes.

Bluff oysters used as tourism lure - Southland Times - 8th May 2012
Bluff oysters are being used as bait to lure tourists south to experience a natural wonderland slightly off the beaten track, say southern tourism representatives flying the flag at Trenz.

Looking good for visitor expo - Otago Daily Times - 8th May 2012
Appointment schedules are fully booked and the quality of influential travel buyers has never been better, as Destination Queenstown, Discover Arrowtown, Lake Wanaka Tourism and more than...

More than 1000 pack in for TRENZ – Mountain Scene, 8 May 2012
New Zealand's most important tourism soiree has kicked off in Queenstown.