Tourism Forecasts for 2012-2018. Click on the Forecasts predict solid growth but structural shift in tourism link (pg 2) to download the 50 page forecast report from MBIE – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

EXPORT MATTERS – INSIDE TOURISM Wed 14 November 2012

Is there a place for romance in business?  Absolutely, but with a few differences. Think of romance in a personal setting. Eyes meet across the room, a smile is exchanged and immediately your brain goes into overdrive wondering how you can arrange meeting or connecting without seeming too keen. You wait by the phone, check them out on Facebook and see who their friends are. If you are lucky the other person is doing exactly the same and before you know it, a relationship is formed.

In business the balance between the two parties is slightly different. One party (the seller or supplier) has access to information before the first ‘meet’ takes place so it is to their advantage to learn as much as possible about the other party (the buyer). The first meeting may be pre-organised, such as a trade workshop or consumer show, but often the seller is under-prepared and has higher expectations than the buyer, so could end up disappointed. The buyer is in the position of viewing several potential suppliers to have relationships with, so the seller initially needs to ‘woo’ the buyer. Once the buyer is hooked, both parties need to keep the business relationship working.  Regardless of what product or service you are selling, with all relationships, people are often investing in a ‘person they can trust’ ahead of the product.

Relationships that Tourism Export Council inbound tour operators have had with allied members have traditionally followed the process above. However, in recent years the balance has shifted with the supplier now in a position of selling their product direct via their own website, working with online travel agents (OTA’s) or having last minute FIT walk-ins. The relationship balance between inbound operator and supplier is more equal and both parties need to put the romance back into the relationship if they are to have a successful future.

The Tourism Export Council key networking events of the year are fantastic opportunities for these relationships to be kept alive and new ones forged. Having association memberships involves both sides of the relationship to keep working. The full advantages of being a member of the Tourism Export Council cannot be realised unless you participate in surveys, give feedback, ask questions and attend industry forums. Yes, sometimes this means further investment to sustain the relationship but the benefits are there if you choose to utilise all aspects of your association membership. We hope that it will certainly generate new business, but you also get to network with kindred industry professionals who are often facing the same challenges as yourself. And as if securing new business and learning from colleagues isn’t enough, you sustain lifelong professional friendships which in a country this size is very important.

So business and romance go hand in hand. Think about how you can keep the romance alive in your business relationships.

TIME Unlimited Tours (TIME = “To Integrate Maori Experiences”) is one of New Zealand’s most iconic tour operators and one of the country’s most-awarded tourism businesses. Founders & Directors Neill and Ceillhe Sperath as well as their growing team take their manuhiri (guests) on a wonderful journey through Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand). Their highly-personal small group and private tours in various top-end Mercedes vehicles and highly-qualified guides showcase their stunning home that is New Zealand.

Auckland Tours comprise their Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour, Auckland Highlights Luxury Tour incl Sky Tower Entry, Auckland West Coast Tour and Auckland Maori Tour, allowing their guests to discover the most spectacular spots in and around Auckland as New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city.

Private Luxury Tours explore both the Auckland region’s many highlights as well as world-famous destinations and many hidden gems including Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Taupo, The Bay of Islands, The Coromandel and many other wonderful locations throughout New Zealand. These can be One-Day, One-Way and Multi-Day Tours, all of which can be adjusted to their guests’ specific wishes.

TIME Unlimited Tours’ extensive and varied range of luxury tours has been developed since they founded their unique company 17 years ago. In 2015, while celebrating the company’s 10^th anniversary, they launched their new brand identity, incorporating a logo which continues to symbolize their deep connection to Maori culture. The new brand message “OUR NEW ZEALAND à YOUR WAY” highlights the emphasis of placing their guests’ requirements at the center of everything they do.

TIME Unlimited Tours leads the way in Ecotourism and is highly aware of its responsibilities in the tourism sector, following strict environmental policies and supporting many biodiversity & cultural initiatives. For its commitment and outstanding services, TIME Unlimited Tours has so far won 4 Global Tourism Awards including the National Geographic World Legacy Award, as well as many national awards. They are also Qualmark Gold certified. This acknowledges their excellence over many years in providing the very best luxury touring in Auckland and throughout New Zealand.

The first parts of the 450 metre steel structure that will be New Zealand’s first treetop walk have arrived on site.

The structure will be assembled over the next eight weeks with members of the industry able to view

construction from mid November by contacting Rusty Donnell at treetops1@treetopsnz.com.

Opening is on track for mid December 2012 with the retail pricing to be adults $38, seniors $30

under 15 $15, under 5 free and families (2 adults and upto 4 children) $100.

Wholesale rates upon agreement.

WALK THE TREETOPS

KAD Travel has been providing the best travel solutions and highest quality to meet the demands of international and domestic visitors wishing to book and buy tourism products and services with confidence. After experiencing exciting growth, KAD Travel has developed a wide range of local contacts and the necessary knowledge to arrange business activities for business delegations, and create any special-interest tour itinerary. Our friendly team of experienced and dedicated staff guarantee quality and professional service.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds welcomes you on a journey of discovery through Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important historic site, where in 1840 New Zealand’s founding document was signed: the Treaty of Waitangi.

Features of Waitangi Treaty Grounds include Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, the Treaty House, the carved Meeting House, a carving studio and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe.

Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi holds a stunning collection of stories and taonga (treasured objects) which bring to life the history of Waitangi. Discover world class interactive displays and enjoy the temporary gallery featuring touring exhibitions.

Te Rau Aroha was opened in 2020 and commemorates the service and sacrifice of Māori in the NZ Armed Forces, sharing stories of heroism, loss and restoration from the world wars and subsequent conflicts.

Visitors to Waitangi Treaty Grounds may purchase a Day Pass which includes a guided tour (50 minutes), a Māori cultural performance (30 minutes), entry to the two museums, the Treaty House, the carved Meeting House, and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe.

Hāngi and concert evenings are scheduled during the summer months – an intimate cultural experience not to be missed.

The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.

West Plaza Hotel
In the heart of Wellington, the West Plaza Hotel offers you 102 spacious and comfortable rooms, excellent facilities and City Dining at its best. Located in the central business district, just a few minutes walk to explore the waterfront, top bars and restaurants the city has to offer. Whether you are here for sightseeing or business, the West Plaza Hotel will give you the Wellington experience you deserve.

Bay Plaza Hotel
Located on Oriental Parade, Bay Plaza Hotel offers you city style, home comforts and stunning views at a great rate. Just a hop, skip and a jump away from everything you need for any Wellington trip, Bay Plaza allows you to enjoy vibrant views of the city, harbor, or the historic houses of Mt Victoria right from your room. Complete with a delicious restaurant and bar, it is the perfect all-in-one destination for your ideal getaway.

INSIDE TOURISM – EXPORT MATTERS 26 September 2012

Cheaper from China: by President Martin Horgan

The 30 day Asia rate structure we have today was an initiative I expect New Zealand picked up a couple of decades ago from other destinations frequented by Chinese travellers.

The philosophy in New Zealand behind heavily discounting short lead hotel inventory was to “stimulate and unlock new business” from what was then the new and developing China (and other Asia) markets.  The industry was also turned on by the prospect of last minute ‘top-up’ business that for many busy hotels represented the icing on the cake.

The forecast and outlook for inbound tourism is changing fast and arrival numbers from China are through the roof year on year.  At the same time some of our traditional markets are doing it tough.

This has to mean that we’re selling more rooms to Chinese visitors than ever before, and therefore a higher percentage of rooms are going out the door at Asia/30 day rates – often 30% below traditional wholesale rates.

Is this something the hotel industry is worried about?  As standalone room rates – are these short lead room rates sustainable for hotels?  If not, is there potential for this to be an issue for the greater industry as hotels can no longer afford to upgrade and re-invest, ultimately bringing quality down?

Increasing arrival numbers suggest we’ve been successful in stimulating the Chinese market and there is no doubt we love the late feed that China and other Asia markets offer.  But if we take a step back and look again at why we discount so heavily – is the Asia rate structure still relevant?

China is now the world’s second largest economy and gunning down the US quickly.  Wealth has increased significantly in China and so in 2012, in the middle of the ‘GFC’  (that’s messing up other economies all around the world) it would be very easy to argue that markets such as UK, USA and Europe need a hand up and some encouragement to visit to New Zealand more than China does.

As the balance of the world’s wealth creeps east we’ve seen visitor numbers from China rocket, but I wonder if during that time Asia discounting has simply become habitual for us?  What about when China becomes the world’s largest economy, will we still be discounting to this market?  Should we?  Right now that’s what it looks like.

We all know that China naturally has a late booking pattern.  What we’ve done over the years is create an industry where the market is aggressively driven by a 30 day rate structure, but I’d like to know…  is the bulk of the market  actually stimulated by it?

Does Asia discounting now just play into the hands of this market?  Would we do it again today?  Are we inadvertently supporting shopping tour operators who want cheap destinations to lure shoppers to rRather than positioning New Zealand as a desirable quality destination?

At what stage and under what circumstances should New Zealand consider weaning China off the 30 day rate card? It’s worth thinking about I reckon.

Walk the treetops !!

Construction is now well under way on the site at Woodstock Rimu Road just 1.6 kms off State Highway 6 which is the main route to or from the Glaciers. If you have been passing you may have seen the roadworks at the intersection of the Woodstock Rimu Road and State Highway 6, just 15 minutes south of Hokitika.

The visitor information centre and cafe buidling is now to the framing out stage with the roof in place. The access road, carparks and access tracks are well established and the actual steel walkway structure will arrive on the site at the end of September.

Industry famils will be available as soon as possible, which I currently hope will be mid November. For any enquiries please contact Rusty Donnell

Tourism Business Magazine: August –September 2012

It was suggested recently that our industry was fragmented.  This isn’t the dairy industry with a uniform product and sell price. Tourism represents a few thousand operators, none of which offer the same product.  We’re all competing in the same market place and quite often for the same business – each trying to make a dollar.  While there is a degree of diversification or fragmentation in our industry, it doesn’t mean that we are broken – we’re not, and this is a message that we need to send to the policy makers and parliamentarians.

During a period of difficult trading, the Tourism Export Council membership has grown.  This is a strong indicator that the industry and our members recognise the value in solidarity and that as individual operators, we need to look at the bigger picture. We can learn from working with each other successfully and can certainly achieve more collectively that we can as individuals.  If we were truly a fragmented industry, representative organisations such as the Tourism Export Council would be dead in the water – and I’m glad to say, we’re not.

The NZ Herald quoted an industry leader recently as saying “the industry had to accept it had done a done a poor job of promoting New Zealand and needed to do something about that”.  This is tough talk and although we can always do more collectively, our marketing has been smart and for the most part cohesive.  Tourism New Zealand have lead this and have increased presence off-shore, are engaging in multiple channels and actively pursuing new market opportunities in Asia. Coordinated successful famil programs have continued to support our highest yielding markets and have led the New Zealand trade off-shore to participate in various trade and kiwilink road shows.  As operators, we back this up with our own marketing dollars and activities that take our members to all corners of the globe.  Promoting first, destination New Zealand and secondly our own products.

But there is still room for improvement.  The industry and ‘all its partners’ need to be sure we’re kicking goals for the same team and have the same objectives.  The wider industry needs more opportunity to communicate internally to understand and agree what the immediate and long term objectives, opportunities and risks are for New Zealand tourism. Then we can agree how best to manage that information.

I look forward to catching up with you all at Conference 2012 on the West Coast.

Martin Horgan – President