Valuable insights have been gained, and a promising summer awaits for New Zealand’s tourism industry, as the country marks the first anniversary of its borders reopening fully to all visitors.
On the 31st of July 2022, New Zealand tourism operators welcomed travellers from all countries, and a recovery process from the Covid-19 pandemic could properly begin.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive, Rebecca Ingram, said the year since has been a roller coaster but left tourism in a stronger and more reflective state.
“Tourism is not an island - it is connected to many parts of our economy and communities. The return of visitors made a difference to many New Zealanders. What I think the last year has highlighted is the need to keep adjusting for a different kind of future,” said Ingram.
For many operators, the recovery has been an opportunity to find new solutions and revise business plans. Les Morgan, of Sudima Hotels, said the last year had seen greater extremes in terms of seasonality.
“It has been challenging operationally in terms of recruiting and retaining staff and balancing that against the strong seasonality of 2023 so far,” said Morgan.
The Covid period also gave tourism operators a chance to rethink their business strategy, to really get back to basics and understand what is important to the industry.
New infrastructure, such as convention centres and city precincts, have added to the popularity of domestic tourism around New Zealand.
Tourism outlets added that during the peak of the pandemic, it was difficult when operations were lean.
Ingram said that tourism is committed to rebuilding in a way that will benefit New Zealand and the public.
“Indications are that we are in for a good second summer of recovery, but we have our eyes set on the longer term also, with much work underway to do our part to make positive impacts on the environment and communities we are part of. We’re proud of how the industry has held strong, with the support of Kiwis, and we want to make sure we continue to boost Aotearoa, New Zealand.”
