Better internet use improves tourism profitability

Use of technology is a critical enabler to improve firm profitability and also enhance the visitor experience, according to Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) Policy and Research Manager Simon Wallace.

Welcoming a new report from the Innovation Partnership that shows that more effective business use of the internet could add $34 billion each year to the New Zealand economy, Wallace says the findings back up the Tourism 2025 growth framework.

Wallace sees that there is a high and growing use of internet services in the tourism sector, with moves to online booking and automated inventory.

Those businesses that actively embrace the opportunities that new technology presents are going to be more successful, he says.

Wallace explains “this is not simply about improving business productivity, it’s also a powerful sales tool. Those businesses that can attract customers with an engaging website and make it easy for them to book and pay at the same time are going to reap the rewards.”

TIANZ has also welcomed the new digital tool that has been launched today along with the report. Digital Journey will be able to help small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) assess their digital maturity and put together an action plan to make better use of online services. 

For more information on Tourism 2025, including extensive background insight, go to www.tourism2025.org.nz 

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