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 2013

Hotels face blues - Christchurch Press - 23rd May 2013
Christchurch hotels are heading for the winter doldrums as tourism bosses warn skiers may bypass the city and head straight for Queenstown.

Departure tax plan could be revived – Dominion Post, 21 May 2013
Plans for an airport departure tax of up to $35 were dumped just months before the Budget but could be revived in future years.

Hotel sector slowly improving - Otago Daily Times - 21st May 2013
Green shoots of recovery are beginning to show in Queenstown's hotel sector after a disastrous 2011, but hoteliers are vigilant of Australian and Japanese visitor markets, conscious of the...

Dunedin tourism 'sitting comfortably' – Otago Daily Times, 16 May 2013
Dunedin is punching above its weight in attracting visitors, as shown in the latest accommodation occupancy statistics.

Safety prime focus of industry – Otago Daily Times, 16 May 2013
Significant safety improvements have been initiated and embedded within the tourism industry, according to Tourism Industry Association New Zealand chief executive Martin Snedden.

Tough job to attract conventions - New Zealand Herald - 15th May 2013
Tourism groups are relishing prospects of a boost to the sector from the national convention centre but one industry expert says it will be up against tough international competition.

Govt has majority for SkyCty deal - 3 News - 14th May 2013
The Government has already stitched up the numbers in parliament for legislation that will allow the SkyCity convention centre deal to go ahead.

Editorial: SkyCity deal too soft on social issues - New Zealand Herald - 14th May 2013
The enthusiasm of the Tourism Industry Association, Air New Zealand, the Employers and Manufacturers Association and BusinessNZ to the agreement between the Government and SkyCity over a...

Tourism boss says Convention Centre a must have for Auckland – RadioLive, 13 May 2013
(audio link) The government and Sky City are expected to announce their deal to build a new Convention Centre in Auckland.

PM says tourism industry not complacent over safety – Radio NZ, 10 May 2013
The Prime Minister says he does not accept criticisms made by the father of a British tourist killed in an air crash at Fox Glacier on the West Coast.

Safety first now in adventure tourism – Dominion Post, 9 May 2013
OPINION: The time has come to defend the safety culture within New Zealand's adventure tourism industry.

Martin Snedden: Adventure tourism is getting much safer – NZ Herald, 9 May 2013
I know I'm on a hiding to nothing sticking my head up to defend the safety culture within New Zealand's adventure tourism industry.

New Zealand adventure tourism operators under pressure to raise safety standards – Xinhua, 8 May 2013
New Zealand tourism industry and government officials are stepping up efforts to assure visitors that the country's adventure activities are safe following a damning inquest into the deaths of nine people during a skydiving aircraft crash in 2010.

TIA national plan update – Otago Daily Times, 9 May 2013
An update by the Tourism Industry Association on its national plan is being detailed at events in Dunedin and Queenstown next week.

Trenz back soon: CEO - Otago Daily Times - 7th May 2013
Trenz will return to Queenstown ''in the reasonably near future'', Tourism Industry Association chief executive Martin Snedden says.

New calls to tighten adventure tourism safety - 3 News - 6th May 2013
There are renewed calls tonight to make adventure tourism safer after nine people died in the Fox Glacier tragedy.

New Comvita store targets city tourists - New Zealand Herald - 6th May 2013
Natural health products maker Comvita says its new concept store in central Auckland will strengthen its brand internationally, particularly in Asia.

Hotels dash to cater for demand - Christchurch Press - 3rd May 2013
The Heritage tower in Cathedral Square will be demolished because of earthquake damage, but other Christchurch hotels are locked in a race to reopen.

Bring Trenz back to the Wakatipu for 2015 – Mountain Scene, 2 May 2013
With Queenstown having turned it on for the past two annual Trenz tourism pow-wows, the pressure was on Auckland last week.

$33.6m pot to run Masters Games - New Zealand Herald - 3rd May 2013
A company with 50 staff and its own board is being set up with a budget of $33.6 million to run the 2017 World Masters Games in Auckland.

Tourist attacks prompt safety assurance – TVNZ News, 2 May 2013
The tourism industry says international visitors, especially Asians, need to be reassured that New Zealand is safe following a string of robberies targeting tourists.

Tourist attacks and our global reputation – TVNZ Breakfast, 2 May 2013
Northland’s reputation for being a hotspot for tourists is being tarnished after another ‘tourist-attack’.

April 2013

Winston Aldworth: Why PM's wandering eye does matter - New Zealand Herald - 30th Apr 2013
It's none of our business if any old Minister of Tourism - or any old Prime Minister, for that matter - chooses to take his family holidays in Hawaii each year.

Tourists, wages linked - Otago Daily Times - 30th Apr 2013
Wages for hospitality staff in Queenstown will only increase if tourism as a whole prospers, industry leaders say.

Convention centre hopes lifted by PM - Otago Daily Times - 30th Apr 2013
Prime Minister John Key's extra investment in tourism could translate into funding for the proposed $50 million convention centre in the resort, as the Queenstown Lakes District Council hopes.

Tourism plans bode well for Marlborough - Marlborough Express - 29th Apr 2013
The Government's decision to put more money into promoting tourism activities such as high-value tourism and cycling should have good results for Marlborough, Mayor Alistair Sowman says.

Tourist trends from A to Z - New Zealand Herald - 27th Apr 2013
Australia is the quiet giant that remains New Zealand's largest inbound tourism market, accounting for around half of all visitors. Last year 1.1 million Australians arrived, up 1.

Building the Chinese connection – Fairfax, 27 Apr 2013
This week's Trenz 2013 conference in Auckland was abuzz with an extra $158m of funding for tourism, one of New Zealand's largest export earners.

Otago: Clip sells 'Hobbit' locations to world – Otago Daily Times, 27 Apr 2013
Strath Taieri, Queenstown and Central Otago landscapes are being showcased to the world in a new six-minute film clip included in all DVD releases of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

TRENZ in brief – Travel Weekly, 26 Apr 2013
The Queenstown Trail, a 100km cycle and hiking track in New Zealand’s South Island, attracted 35,000 users in the first three months after its opening late last year.

Tourism NZ's campaign focus – Travel Weekly, 26 Apr 2013
Focusing on special interest markets and stepping up efforts in Western Australia will help achieve the key aim of driving up the value of visits to New Zealand, tourism leaders have insisted.

Video: A story of culture – Travel Weekly Asia, 26 Apr 2013
Pania Tyson-Nathan, chief executive officer of the New Zealand Maori Tourism shared with us this moving video during a panel discussion on the depth and strength of the Maori tourism and its impact on visitors, at TRENZ 2013, which ended yesterday.

Hobbit brings surge in tourists - Dominion Post - 25th Apr 2013
The world's eyes remain focused on New Zealand as a destination given the images provided by Peter Jackson's Hobbit films, says Tourism New Zealand.

Call for Maori cultural greetings to be explained - TVNZ - 25th Apr 2013
Maori and iwi-led tourism operators need to be more communicative about their cultural greetings in front of visitors, NZ Maori Tourism chief CEO Pania Tyson-Nathan says.

NZ tourism showcase Trenz to align with Aussie equivalent – Travel Weekly, 25 Apr 2013
New Zealand’s annual international tourism showcase Trenz will return to Auckland in 2014 and dovetail with its Australian counterpart, ATE

Big interest in tour offerings - Marlborough Express - 25th Apr 2013
Marlborough tour operators at the New Zealand tourism showcase in Auckland this week are thrilled by the level of interest they are receiving.

Competition fierce in resort market - Otago Daily Times - 26th Apr 2013
An increasing number of options for tourists in Queenstown is making it hard for some operators to thrive against fierce competition.

PM expecting Queenstown cash request - Southland Times - 25th Apr 2013
Prime Minister John Key is waiting for the Queenstown Lakes District Council to formally ask the Government for financial assistance to build a convention centre.

Government may contribute to centre: PM - Otago Daily Times - 25th Apr 2013
The Government may contribute funding to a proposed convention centre in Queenstown, Prime Minister John Key says.

Wildlife returns to tourist spot - Rotorua Daily Post - 25th Apr 2013
Native wildlife is returning in droves to the site of one of Rotorua's newest and most popular tourist attractions due to the success of the company's predator eradication work.

Key reassures on hotel capacity - Southland Times - 25th Apr 2013
Concerns New Zealand infrastructure cannot cope with increasing numbers of Chinese visitors were raised with Prime Minister John Key at Trenz in Auckland yesterday.

Chinese speakers lure visitors - Rotorua Daily Post - 24th Apr 2013
With hundreds of millions of potential customers, Rotorua tourism operators are being encouraged to engage with the expanding Chinese market by hiring Chinese speaking staff.

Weibo powerful tool for tourism operators - Southland Times - 24th Apr 2013
If New Zealand wants its slice of the lucrative international social-media influenced tourism industry, it must improve wi-fi services.

Operators 'need to up marketing in China' - Manawatu Standard - 24th Apr 2013
New Zealand tourism operators need to push the country as a hot destination to the Chinese, a marketing guru from China's largest social networking site says.

Speculation on Heritage tower demolition – Fairfax, 24 Apr 2013
The Heritage hotel tower could be demolished, a Canterbury hotel industry member said at the Trenz tourism conference in Auckland today.

Free WiFi for tourists 'ideal' - Otago Daily Times - 24th Apr 2013
Free internet access throughout central Dunedin is an ideal next step in the city's bid to attract more visitors and let them promote it as a destination worldwide, industry professionals say.

New overnight walks for Rangitoto - 3 News - 24th Apr 2013
A new walk on Rangitoto and Motutapu islands aims to educate people about the history, culture and environment of the area.

DoC aims to boost islands' tourism - New Zealand Herald - 24th Apr 2013
The Department of Conservation is working with other groups to open a multi-day visitor experience on Rangitoto and Motutapu and wants the tourism industry to come up with ideas on how to...

Key announces TRENZ 2014 host city – Travel Weekly, 24 Apr 2013
New Zealand trade show TRENZ will return to Auckland in 2014, the country’s Prime Minister John Key announced today.

Local tourism retailer finally gets in to Trenz – Mountain Scene, 24 Apr 2013
A Queenstown-based family-owned retailer previously shut out of the country’s premier tourism trade show has finally been allowed entry.

Trenz to be held in Auckland in 2014 - Rotorua Daily Post - 24th Apr 2013
Trenz, the nation's premier tourism trade event will be held in Auckland again in 2014

Tourism regulation - Southland Times - 24th Apr 2013
Prime Minister John Key says the Government will do all it can to ensure the safety and security of people going on adventure tourist attractions.

Auckland to host Trenz again for 2014 – Mountain Scene, 24 Apr 2013
Trenz, the country’s biggest annual tourism industry tradeshow, will return to Auckland next year.

Showing off NZ with ‘speed dating’ for tourism – TVNZ Breakfast, 24 Apr 2013
(video link) Brooke Dobson is live from The Cloud in Auckland at New Zealand's largest international trade show.

Qantas waits for NZ nod on partnership - New Zealand Herald - 24th Apr 2013
Qantas is still waiting for New Zealand to rule on a transtasman alliance with Emirates - a month after regulators in Australia gave it the green light.

Queenstown operators hail tourism funding boost – Mountain Scene, 24 Apr 2013
Queenstown tourism players say the resort will reap big benefits from the Government’s $158 million sector injection.

Chasing long-haul travellers - Southland Times - 23rd Apr 2013
A collaborative tourism industry initiative targeting young long-haul visitors, who stay in New Zealand longer than other visitors, was announced at the tourism industry's annual conference...

Tourism leaders determined to grow - Manawatu Standard - 23rd Apr 2013
New Zealand tourism leaders say a new focus on attracting high-spending visitors to this country is a reaction to the high New Zealand dollar.

Help needed for low-level operators - Southland Times - 23rd Apr 2013
Small operators with fewer resources to effectively capitalise on new Government-led tourism initiatives and ever-evolving international markets should be given more help, industry leaders...

Trenz bid moves to 2015 – Daily Post, 23 Apr 2013
Rotorua tourism officials will not be making a bid to host the country's largest annual tourism conference next year, instead making a concerted effort to bring Trenz back to the city in 2015.

Broker targets TRENZ for Kingston Flyer buyer - National Business Review - 23rd Apr 2013
A broker marketing the Kingston Flyer is busy this week looking for a buyer at the TRENZ conference in Auckland.

Resort vital as region's drawcard - Otago Daily Times - 23rd Apr 2013
Queenstown remains New Zealand's ''premier resort destination'' and is vital to continued visitor growth nationwide, Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler says.

Overseas students untapped resource - Otago Daily Times - 23rd Apr 2013
Dunedin's thousands of international students are an untapped resource for boosting tourism and are likely to be targeted by those in the industry.

New transtasman air alliance welcomed in Queenstown - Otago Daily Times - 23rd Apr 2013
NZSKI and Destination Queenstown have welcomed a new transtasman airline alliance which will add more than 30,000 extra seats between Queenstown and Australia over the peak winter period of...

Air New Zealand chief dreams of flying 1st new Dreamliner to China – Xinhua, 23 Apr 2013
New Zealand's national carrier is to put bigger aircraft on its direct China route from July and is aiming to operate the next generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner on its China service, Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said Tuesday.

New Zealand to accelerate tourism marketing program in China: expert – Xinhua, 22 Apr 2013
New Zealand's government tourism agency is to accelerate the rollout of its marketing campaign in China thanks to a boost in government funding, Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said Monday.

Akl Airport signs up with China internet giant - New Zealand Herald - 22nd Apr 2013
Auckland Airport has announced it is partnering with China's leading social media website Sina Weibo through its new digital programs in China.

Positive feedback at Trenz – Southland Times, 22 Apr 2013
Southern exhibitors expect to see an increase in visitors, especially from China and the emerging markets of India and Indonesia, Trenz delegates in Auckland say.

Cycle trail leads to award – Wanganui Chronicle, 22 Apr 2013
Mayor Annette Main yesterday congratulated the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the international award it has received for the New Zealand Cycle Trail, including the Mountains To Sea trail which follows the Whanganui River.

PM expects 'a lot more' visitors to come from China - Otago Daily Times - 22nd Apr 2013
Dunedin and Queenstown are leading destinations for the 180,000 Chinese predicted to visit the South Island annually in the near future.

Tourism gets $158m boost – TV3 Firstline, 22 Apr 2013
It's billed as the biggest event of its kind – the $23 billion tourism industry's annual showcase is being held in Auckland over the next few days.

Fund boost aimed at tourists - Southland Times - 22nd Apr 2013
Prime Minister John Key gave a breakdown yesterday as to how a $158 million tourism budget boost would be spent.

Push for high-end tourists - New Zealand Herald - 22nd Apr 2013
Prime Minister John Key says a $158 million tourism package mainly for marketing overseas will need to be matched by new infrastructure - including convention centres - if the plan is as...

Tourism industry welcomes carve up marketing boost – Radio NZ Morning Report, 22 Apr 2013
(audio link) The tourism industry has welcomed the way a major funding boost for the industry is being divided up. (3′22″)

Easter and the Hobbit brings tourist in record numbers – Radio NZ Checkpoint, 22 Apr 2013
(audio link) It's been the best March yet for the tourism industry with a record number of visitors coming to New Zealand. (3′34″)

We're not too expensive - tourism boss – NZ Herald, 22 Apr 2013
A tourism boss has defended New Zealand against claims it has a growing reputation as an expensive international destination.

Tourism leaders to 'hunt as a pack' – Fairfax, 22 Apr 2013
Tourism leaders will "hunt as a pack" to bring extra visitors to the country, Tourism Industry Association chief executive Martin Snedden said today.

Trenz 2013 about opportunity - Timaru Herald - 22nd Apr 2013
Tourism industry movers and shakers are this week congregating for Trenz 2013 in Auckland - a showcase conference that brings overseas buyers, including a strong Chinese presence, to look at...

J Geeks steal the show at tourism conference – Daily Post, 22 Apr 2013
Rotorua's own J Geeks stole the show at the official welcome to Trenz in Auckland on Sunday night.

Tourism push unveiled by Government – TV3, 21 Apr 2013
The Government is spending millions of dollars to attract wealthy tourists and target emerging markets as part of a $158-million push to grow the sector.

Tourism showcase offers new products – TV3, 21 Apr 2013
New Zealand tourism's biggest conference is about to kick off in Auckland, with hundreds of local tourism businesses trying to generate more trade.

$158m package hailed - Southland Times - 19th Apr 2013
Queenstown is perfectly placed to reap the rewards of a $158 million Government tourism boost, according to Destination Queenstown boss Graham Budd.

Tourism, business groups debate ‘Mondayisation’ effect – Radio NZ, 17 Apr 2013
The tourism industry and a business lobby group disagree on the impact of legislation giving workers Monday off when Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on the weekend.

Wish you were here – Southland Times, 18 Apr 2013
Venture Southland tourism marketing co-ordinator Hannah Fraser, left, Venture Southland tourism sector manager Tareen Ellise and Ascot Park Hotel manager Peter Ridsdale prepare for TRENZ, the international tourism trade show organised by the Tourism Industry Association.

Tourism to benefit from Mondayisation - 3 News - 18th Apr 2013
Tourism operators are set to benefit from the new law "Mondayising" Waitangi and Anzac Day.

'Mondayisation' bill passes - TVNZ - 17th Apr 2013
More public holidays are on the way after MPs voted to make Monday a public holiday when Waitangi Day or Anzac Day fall on a weekend.

New liquor law could close mini-bar doors - Dominion Post - 18th Apr 2013
Hotel patrons wanting late-night tipples or hair-of-the-dog pick-me-ups could find the mini-bar fridge door firmly closed.

Closure underlines need - Otago Daily Times - 18th Apr 2013
The imminent closure of a 128-room hotel in Dunedin reinforces the need for the proposed 28-storey hotel on the waterfront, its promoter says.

Funding boost to lure big-spending tourists – The Press, 17 Apr 2013
An extra $158 million of funding for the tourism sector will be targeted towards higher spending visitors, and likely give some relief to the South Island visitor industry, still impacted by the 2011 earthquakes.

Tourism industry clamours for slice of big funding boost – Radio NZ Morning Report, 17 Apr 2013
(audio link) In the first pre-budget announcement, tourism is to get a 160 million boost in funding over the next 4 years. (3′18″)

$158m tourism boost - New Zealand Herald - 17th Apr 2013
The Government's $158 million boost for promoting tourism has been welcomed by the industry, although one leader says some of it should stay in this country to get the sector's foundations...

$158 million boost for Kiwi tourism – Dominion Post, 16 Apr 2013
The upcoming Budget will would include an extra $158 million for the tourism industry over the next four years, Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key announced today.

Destroying our bread and butter - Taranaki Daily News - 15th Apr 2013
OPINION: I ask this in all seriousness. Imagine you're a foreign tourist. Why would you, over any other destination, spend your dosh coming to New Zealand? We don't possess outstanding...

Auckland moves to cash in on travellers - New Zealand Herald - 15th Apr 2013
Auckland city's tourism and economic development body is hoping for a big return from a major conference for travel industry leaders from around the world.

Tragedy's aftermath runs deep – New Zealand Herald, 13 Apr 2013
Five years after canyoning disaster killed seven, some parents inspired to give while others remain angry at lack of accountability

Influx of Chinese tourists expected – TV3 Firstline, 11 Apr 2013
On his trip to China, Prime Minister John Key has been making a pitch to boost New Zealand's share of the Chinese visitor market, which is projected to soar to 400 million tourists a year in five years' time.

Wheels will turn at Trenz - Otago Daily Times - 9th Apr 2013
Arrowtown's new role as the hub of cycling in the Southern Lakes will be one of the assets promoted when Discover Arrowtown attends Trenz, in Auckland this month.

DoC cuts alarm tourism operators - New Zealand Herald - 10th Apr 2013
A tourist industry group is worried about the impact of cuts at the Department of Conservation while another organisation says more charging for visitors is inevitable.

New rules for Queenstown adventure operators – Mountain Scene, 3 Apr 2013
Operators of three niche adventure sports have been issued with comprehensive new safety guidelines.

Safety guidelines introduced for adventure activities - New Zealand Herald - 3rd Apr 2013
New adventure tourism safety guidelines have been introduced for canyoning, caving and indoor rock-climbing operators following a review of safety in the sector.

Westland's Mayor says freedom camping laws may need changes. – Radio NZ Checkpoint, 3 Apr 2013
(audio link) The Mayor of Westland District Council says freedom camping may need to be reassessed now that the council has had to suspend its camping bylaw. (3′18″)

Tourists exploited by overpriced, mislabelled products – Newstalk ZB, 2 Apr 2013
(audio link) Tourism Industry Association CEO Martin Snedden talks to Susan Wood on Larry Williams Drive about tourists being exploited by overpriced and mislabelled products

March 2013

Tourism operators hope to reap rewards - Otago Daily Times - 27th Mar 2013
Otago tourism operators are gearing up for their best chance at showing off the region's activities, accommodation and attractions to hundreds of national and international delegates at...

Auckland hotels report steady trade - New Zealand Herald - 27th Mar 2013
Auckland hotels have had a year of steady trading with leisure, corporate and conference business returning to normal patterns following Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Safety high on operators' agenda - Manawatu Standard - 26th Mar 2013
Safety will be a key topic at the first Tourism Industry Association conference for the adventure sector in Wellington this May.

Martin Snedden: Mr Fix-it - NZ Herald, 23 Mar 2013
He brought the world to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. Now Martin Snedden is bringing New Zealand to the world, writes Suzanne McFadden.

Wellington's hotel sector trading steadily following Rugby World Cup – Newstalk ZB, 21 Mar 2013
New figures show Wellington's hotel industry is trading steadily following the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Campground decision disgusts visitors - North Shore Times - 19th Mar 2013
Visitors staying at the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park are "disgusted" by the hearing panel's decision to close the campground, says owner Marius Rothmann.

National tourism strategy year-end start planned – Otago Daily Times, 16 Mar 2013
Despite several failed attempts, a national tourism strategy is due to be implemented at the end of the year.

Takapuna 'lost its soul' - North Shore Times - 15th Mar 2013
Overwhelming public support has not saved Takapuna Beach's iconic campground. But Auckland Council's plan to allow a high performance yachting centre to be built on part of the campground...

Support for 'Mondayisation' - Otago Daily Times - 15th Mar 2013
Providing a holiday on a Monday when Waitangi Day and Anzac Day fall on a weekend will boost the $13.

New safety audit for adventure tourism - 3 News - 15th Mar 2013
Adventure tourism operators will have to pass a new safety audit before they can go into business.

New safety standards for adventure tourism – Newstalk, 15 Mar 2013
The Tourism Industry Association believes the new safety standard will see the overall risk factor in adventure tourism decrease.

Future of Takapuna campground to be decided – Newstalk, 14 Mar 2013The fate of the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park on the North Shore of Auckland will be decided by a panel this evening.

'Mondayising' to bring NZ in line with Australia – Newstalk, 14 Mar 2013
Tourism industry experts believe 'Mondayising' ANZAC and Waitangi Days would be of great benefit to New Zealand and bring us in line with Australia.

Tourism industry keen on Mondayisation – The Press, 14 Mar 2013
The tourism industry has welcomed the likelihood that Kiwis will get more long weekends after the passing of a bill in Parliament.

Tourism looking to future – Otago Daily Times, 13 Mar 2013
Queenstown and national tourism operators should get ready to take advantage of the new dynamic visitor markets opening in Asia as traditional western markets continue to slump, Tourism Industry Association (TIA) chief executive Martin Snedden says.

Tourism industry thriving throughout drought – TVNZ Breakfast, 12 March 2013
Geoff Ensor from the Tourism Industry Association speaks about this year's boost in tourism.

Wooing tourism's heavyweights - Otago Daily Times - 13th Mar 2013
Wakatipu tourism will be strongly represented on the international stage when Destination Queenstown and 25 operators showcase their latest products at Trenz, in Auckland, next month.

Chance to give feedback - Otago Daily Times - 13th Mar 2013
Wakatipu tourism operators will get their chance to comment on the industry's road map for the next two decades and hear the latest updates when the Tourism Industry Association (TIA)...

Tourism lobby likes Monday holidays – Radio NZ, 12 Mar 2013
The Tourism Industry Association says "mondayisation" of some public holidays will have real flow-on benefits for the domestic tourism sector.

Christchurch hotels bursting at seams - Christchurch Press - 7th Mar 2013
Christchurch is turning away high-spending international tourists as some hotels reach capacity during the Ellerslie International Flower Show.

Gearing up for tourism buyers – NBR, 7 Mar 2013
The TRENZ tourism conference in Auckland on April 21-23 has attracted 290 overseas buyers so far.

Akl to host massive tourism industry gathering – Newstalk, 7 Mar 2013
Auckland is playing host to a massive tourism industry gathering next month.

Convention centre assent - Otago Daily Times - 6th Mar 2013
The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) backs the proposed convention centre in Queenstown as part of a network of regional centres to support the planned national facility in Auckland.

Investigation begins into Tree Adventures death – Prime News, 5 Mar 2013
(video link, item begins at 7’19”) Investigations have begun into the death of a man at Tree Adventures.

Man killed in high ropes course named – TVNZ, 4 Mar 2013
The man who died after falling 14 metres at Woodhill was an IT professional from Titirangi.

Death at Tree Adventures – Radio Live, 4 Mar 2013
(audio link, click on Monday 11.30am, item begins at 6’48”) Tourism Industry Association's Geoff Ensor talks to Michael Laws about the death of a man at Tree Adventures yesterday.

Man dies at high wire adventure park – NewstalkZB, 4 Mar 2013
(audio link) Tourism Industry Association's Geoff Ensor talks to Mike Hosking about the death of a man at Tree Adventures yesterday and whether there's more trouble for our adventure tourism industry.

Tourism Industry Association talk about climbing safety – Radio NZ Morning Report, 4 Mar 2013
(audio link) Tree Adventures forest adventure park in West Auckland has been closed until further notice after a 57 year old man fell 14 metres to his death. (4′54″)

Man killed after adventure course fall named – Newstalk, 4 Mar 2013
The man who died after falling from 14m from a high-ropes adventure course near Auckland yesterday was Clifford Brabet.

Investigations after adventure safety death – TVNZ Breakfast, 4 Mar 2013
(video link) Following the death of a man on a ropes course in Auckland, Breakfast asks just how safe are our adventure…

NZ's adventure reputation at risk after fall death, Key says – TVNZ Breakfast, 4 Mar 2013
The reputation of New Zealand as a leader in adventure tourism is on the line after a man fell to his death from a high ropes course, Prime Minister John Key says.

February 2013

Convention centre plans excite - Otago Daily Times - 28th Feb 2013
The Tourism Industry Association has welcomed plans for a proposed ''world-class'' convention centre in Queenstown, saying any such development would bring significant financial benefits to...

Kiwis innovate as yen bites - Sunday Star Times - 25th Feb 2013
Tourism operators and firms exporting into Japan say they're having to turn to new strategies to cope with the weak Japanese yen, a process that appears to be paying off for now.

Convention centre to assist economic recovery – NewstalkZB, 20 Feb 2012
Tourism officials say the Government's pokies-for-convention-centre deal with SkyCity will contribute significantly to New Zealand's economic recovery.

Weather contributes to strong hotel figures – NewstalkZB, 17 Jan 2012
A run of superb weather is believed to have contributed to the hotel sector's strong figures for January.

Good weather, more flights lift hotel occupancy figures - Otago Daily Times - 20th Feb 2013
Good weather and increased flight capacity into Queenstown are credited with boosting hotel occupancy in the Wakatipu in January, the Tourism Industry Association says.

Armed muggings proof New Zealand isn't immune to tourist thefts –  Radio NZ, 19 Feb 2012
(audio link) mAn armed thief who fired shots near tourists and robbed four people at two popular Auckland landmarks on Sunday evening, still hasn't been found. (3′44″)

Sunny weather boosts hotel stays to five year high - TVNZ - 15th Feb 2013
This year's sunny summer weather has given a boost to New Zealand's hotel industry.

Big savings on ACC levies - Rotorua Daily Post - 4th Feb 2013
Rotorua adventure tourism operators are happy with the Government's new ACC levies - which could save them thousands of dollars a year.

January 2013

Award boost for high-end NZ tourism - Otago Daily Times - 31st Jan 2013
New Zealand's recognition as a luxury destination by Chinese travellers will boost the country's profile as a "high-quality visitor destination", a tourism industry head says.

Tightly controlled Chinese visitor market under spotlight - NZ Herald, 30 Jan 2013
Tourism groups are looking at ways to reform the tightly controlled Chinese visitor market one industry leader says is failing to deliver the benefits it should.

Win for adventure firms - Otago Daily Times - 26th Jan 2013
An estimated 200 Tourism Industry Association (TIA) member businesses around the country can expect to see a marked reduction in their 2013-14 ACC levies, from $3.48 to $0.

ACC changes lauded - Southland Times - 23rd Jan 2013
Wakatipu tourism firms and niche adventure operators have won a major battle to reduce mandatory levies paid to the Accident Compensation Corporation.

'Big shift' needed to lose our image - Fairfax, 2 Jan 2013
When river scientist Mike Joy skewered the "100% Pure" brand in November he was accused of economic treachery.