International

The World Travel & Tourism Council and the United Nations World Tourism Organization have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve the industry’s transformation.

The International Air Transport Association has reported high levels of confidence among travellers for the peak northern hemisphere summer travel season.

Across APAC, rapid urbanisation, technological advancements and a burgeoning middle class are contributing to the rise in outbound tourism,

“Ultimately, it’s a decision for MBIE and the minister on what they want as the future role for Tourism New Zealand” – René de Monchy.

More than 200 travel sellers in India have a stronger understanding of New Zealand destinations and experiences following a frontline training mission in the country.

Paris has been named the world’s most powerful city destination with a travel and tourism sector worth almost US$36.65bn in 2022 – but it may not hold that position for long.

CTS’ Lisa Li on how the Chinese visitor recovery could look for NZ tourism.

The resort takes up the baton from Christchurch and Northland to fly the flag for NZ on this year’s prestigious list.

A group of inbound tour operators is calling on the government to provide support to help kickstart preparations before borders open to International tourists.

While the government’s announcement on border reopenings is welcome news, there is still a long way to go for a full international tourism recovery.

While the numbers suggest outbound travel is recovering, it means the domestic market could start to shrink for New Zealand tourism, with no date yet of when international visitors can start arriving.

Tourism New Zealand is recruiting a minimum of 40 operators to go to the US in July to help reignite the international travel trade.

The bank says NZ’s current self-iso border requirements will be too prohibitive for potential travellers.

The first significant impact on the labour problem within the tourist industry could be provided by the return of working holiday makers from 13 March.

Quarantine-free travel should be possible within the second quarter of 2022, says TIA.

In July, vaccinated non-citizens from visa waiver countries can skip MIQ but will need to go into self-isolation.

The emergence of Omicron has rattled confidence but the majority of New Zealanders still want the border reopened now.

Industry bodies are anxious to hear the government announcement on Thursday around the new plan for re-opening borders.

So, how many Kiwis actually did something new? Plenty, says Tourism New Zealand.

A full recovery of annual international visitor numbers into New Zealand is now not expected until sometime after May 2025, according to an updated forecast from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand.

The slowest region to recover will be Asia Pacific, with around 80% of experts surveyed saying it will not return to pre-Covid levels until at least 2024.

Airline industry leaders are cautiously optimistic the government will shift away from its conservative stance towards allowing international travellers back to New Zealand once more data become available.

The proportion of people saying they intend travelling within the first six months of open borders fell to 23% in December from 29% in November.

There were 20,772 total border crossings in October 2021, with 1,268 more arrivals than departures, according to provisional data from StatsNZ.

But overseas agents are getting “pretty frustrated” at New Zealand, says TECNZ chair Scott Mehrtens.

But the industry can recover to pre-Covid levels in 2024 if quarantine-free travel restarts soon.

International airlines need to know in Q1 next year so they can include New Zealand for summer 2022-23.

Tourism Australia launches a A$4m campaign to drive visitation from Singapore.

A recent survey conducted by Flight Centre New Zealand shows 88% of respondents see themselves travelling overseas in the next year.

Covid has changed how the country is perceived, according to new research.

But operators need more clarity around when international tourists will be able to avoid MIQ.

A survey of New Zealanders and essential workers who returned to the country between 1 August 2020 and 1 April 2021 for a period of longer than three months shows family-related or compassionate reasons ranked top.

Businesses can now apply to take part in the government’s self-isolation pilot scheduled to start in October.

A TECNZ poll lays out how international wholesalers and agents are seeing NZ – and it’s not pretty.

The UNWTO said the impact of Covid-19 on tourism has cost the world economy US$4tr.

“People will be able to freely travel outside of Australia, with no restrictions,” says Australian tourism minister Dan Tehan.

The new funding for operators is needed in light of the latest lockdown and the likelihood of no international visitors over summer.

Demand for both international and domestic travel in July remains far below pre-Covid levels but had improved on June, says IATA.

The deal gives Active access to a booming US domestic market as well as expanding its offering to 100+ different trips.

Cultural attractions are suffering but one operator has found a path forward, managing to boost domestic visitor numbers above pre-Covid levels.

New Zealand needs to make sure it is viable for international airlines to fly here, says Auckland Airport’s CEO.

There’s relief at seeing a plan but also acknowledgement that it won’t be a smooth path back.

There will be assessments and checks at each step of the process, says Jacinda Ardern.

Details on the government’s plan for ‘reconnecting New Zealanders’ will be released on Thursday.

A plan operators can use to prepare for the reopening of borders is top of the wishlist.

As the pandemic disruption continues for the tourism industry, some operators are struggling to cope with the strain caused by the ongoing uncertainty.

Large-scale international travel may not return to pre-Covid levels because of a distrust in flying and in-person meetings no longer being considered necessary, according to a new report.

Tourism New Zealand’s latest statement of intent attempts to digest both the implications of dealing with the reality of Covid and any related recovery.

Documents released under OIA appear to show the government has already made up its mind, says the association.

TIA says now is not the time to increase border levies on travellers.