Opportunities in tough times for NZ tourism

The New Zealand tourism industry is dealing with tough and fast changing times, and while that is challenging, it also presents boundless opportunities, said Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) Chief Executive Tim Cossar on the opening business day of the TRENZ 2011 conference.
Speaking to about 60 international and domestic media in Queenstown for the four day event (being held from 22nd to 25th May), Cossar said February's Christchurch earthquake had added another issue to what was already a challenging market.
While the impact of the earthquake would be felt for some time by some operators, it was encouraging to see a growing number of Christchurch's tourism businesses getting back on their feet or planning to reopen. This would be good for Christchurch, Canterbury and the entire New Zealand tourism industry.
TIANZs committed to supporting the tourism industry to get back on track following the earthquake, Cossar said, stating "we have committed dedicated resource to assist this process."
Cossar told the media delegates that tourism operators are telling TIA that there is a lot of fast paced change taking place across visitor markets.
"There is a real change in the market mix. For example, there has been a real drop off in UK arrivals as that market struggles with the hangover from the global economic crisis.
"At the same time we are seeing strong growth out of Asia. While that is very positive, it can also be daunting for operators who have been orientated towards traditional visitor markets such as the UK and USA."
Cossar said to ensure New Zealand delivers an outstanding holiday experience and capitalises on the true potential these visitor offer, operators are starting to adapt and tailor their experiences to better cater for the different needs of travellers from markets such as China and India.
As New Zealand's largest foreign exchange earner, worth $9.5 billion annually, tourism needs to remain firmly at the forefront of the government's economic growth strategy, Cossar added.
"The November General Election is a very big part of TIANZ's programme this year. We have been talking with tourism operators all over the country, hearing from the grassroots of the industry the issues they want the incoming government to focus on.
"Among the top priorities are more investment in high quality infrastructure, particularly roading, construction of a national convention centre to help attract international events, and a world class cruise facility."
Cossar said TRENZ 2011, the New Zealand tourism industry's largest annual international business event, was critical in terms of positioning New Zealand positively for the future.
Held for the first time in the Southern Lakes region (incorporating Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland), Cossar said the event has been oversubscribed, which is a tremendous result given the current environment.
TRENZ is supported by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Qantas, host region Southern Lakes and other industry partners.

http://www.trenz.co.nz