Tourism operators have been looking forward to a great few months ahead, with Labour weekend and Easter marking the traditional start and finish of the New Zealand tourism industry’s high season.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said operators nationwide were preparing to provide incredible experiences that visitors can remember for a lifetime.
While the quieter winter has been challenging for many tourism businesses, feedback from TIA members suggests good forward bookings for the summer and general optimism for the 12 months ahead.
“The combination of kiwis escaping for a well-earned holiday and international visitors arriving will positively impact communities across the country this summer in terms of vibrancy, spending and employment opportunities,” said Ingram.
“Many business owners will be putting the finishing touches on plans in preparation and are looking forward to being busy.”
Lylo Managing Director Tim Alpe said his team were excited for the upcoming summer and hoped to see good demand across all LyLo properties.
“LyLo is all about meeting other like-minded travellers, and it’s our role to ensure we provide unique experiences that unite people. Summer weather makes embracing all New Zealand has to offer easier,” said Alpe.
“Whether that’s organising day trips to Waiheke Island, morning yoga classes or hitting the CBD bars on an organised pub crawl, a massive focus for the LyLo crew over summer is providing more than just a bed.”
LyLo operates lifestyle hotels in locations nationwide and has recently opened in Australia.
“Like all tourism players, summer is key for our business, and the signs are positive that we will see our properties full of visitors. Summer also brings many more events such as Sail GP, Laneway, Rhythm and Alps, and Cup week to our cities, which are an important source of business,” added Alpe.
Hobbiton Movie Set’s General Manager Tourism Shayne Forrest said the summer ahead looked positive, with strong forward bookings and demand already in place.
“We’re anticipating the summer season to be a sellout, as it was last year. International visitors have returned to our beautiful country quicker than anticipated. Last summer was the big change to the Hobbiton Movie Set tour with the addition of the Bagshot Row interior Hobbit Holes,” said Forrest.
“With this addition, we increased our experience from 2 hours to 2.5 hours and reduced our tour departures to ensure we offer the best visitor experience possible. This summer we will continue to refine our processes and enjoy hosting visitors from New Zealand and around the world. We’re really looking forward to hosting them and sharing our slice of real Middle-earth."
Tourism and many hospitality and retail businesses have been preparing to welcome visitors from New Zealand and overseas.
“Tourism brings economic diversity and resilience, generates jobs and fosters regional prosperity while showcasing our cultural richness and fostering pride of place. We’re looking forward to making a difference this season to the over 300,000 Kiwis directly and indirectly employed by tourism,” said Ingram.
Overall, international visitor arrivals in the year to August were up 19.9 percent over the previous year. However, the industry still needs to restore its place as the country’s number one export earner, per the industry’s goal in Tourism 2050: A Blueprint for Impact.
“We always thought it would take a few years for tourism to regain momentum, and this is proving to be the case with holiday arrivals to New Zealand plateauing. There is an opportunity to contribute even more to our economy and the communities we’re part of. With the right settings, we believe that tourism could be worth $55 billion a year by 2030.”
