Tourism Industry Aotearoa said there was optimism for what 2026 may bring, especially ahead of the popular summer peak season.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s recent member Workforce Survey shows that business confidence has increased significantly, with 86 percent of tourism organisations having optimism about the year ahead, up 11 percent on 2024 results.
“It is incredibly positive that optimism is high across the tourism industry as we head into the summer season, especially given how tough it is out there for businesses at the moment,” TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said.
A number of factors are contributing to the lift.
“Arrivals, while variable, are showing growth, with arrivals to the end of July inching up to 87 percent of pre-Covid levels. Our members have also told us they are seeing good forward bookings, indicating the potential of a further lift over summer.”
Ingram also highlights the continued momentum from the government, recent visa changes, airline connectivity, and the opening of the New Zealand International Conference Centre in February and One New Zealand Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch due in April, which are all playing a part in lifting optimism.
“With 47 percent of survey respondents actively recruiting, the industry is gearing up for summer. Importantly these jobs are spread across the country and deliver broad economic benefits for communities across the country.”
The top three challenges facing the tourism industry remain consistent with 2024 feedback, including increased costs and product pricing, weather-related challenges and managing burnout and the mental wellbeing of their staff.
Steps being taken by organisations to ensure they are an employer of choice include offering flexible working hours, encouraging staff to attend conferences and events (up seven percent year-on-year to 44 percent), providing equal opportunities for career progression (up two percent to 40 percent) and actively adopting new technology to boost workplace efficiencies (up four percent to 36 percent).
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