PO Box 1464, Paraparaumu Beach
Kapiti 5252, New Zealand
Nigel
Coventry
Phone: 64-4-2973131
nigel@insidetourism.com
w w w. i n s i d e t o u r i s m .c o m
Supporting the industry since 1982
ISSUE 997
October 2nd, 2014
Member: PATA, TIA, Skal
ISSN 1179-2418
Tourism Brand Index + 64.2
Films will continue to boost tourism
for many more years, says TNZ
NEW Zealand will continue to attract movie fans from around the world for many years
once the latest Hobbit movie is released.
In fact the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) premiered in Wellington 2003 and the flow of fans
has barely ebbed.
‘The final instalment of The Hobbit trilogy reflects a decade of activity for TNZ
making the most of opportunities LOTR and the earlier Hobbit films provided to
raise awareness,” TNZ’s GM PR and major events Rebecca Ingram told a webinar on
Thursday.
INSIDE
Power of reality show - pg3
East goes West - pg4
FTA was sign for crystal ball
gazer - pg5
Premium important to NZ - pg7
Traditional markets back - pg8
Lodge stayers branching out
- pg9
NZ had highest profile at
Luxperience - pg10
Personality is what sells - pg11
Fun, food, frivolity at Green
Dragon - pg13
Brookfields lawyers - pg14
The PR effort will increase as the third film’s premier falls due, she said. There have
been thousands of registrations for The Hobbit fan fellowship contest TNZ is running
with AirNZ and Warner Bros.
Contestants have been completing a series of challenges including the production of
video.
“These are being reviewed to find the lucky 75 winners who will come with friends to
have an incredible journey through this country and end with the premier screening of
the final film with Peter Jackson in Wellington on November 6,” she said.
“That’s before anyone else gets to see it. It is a special prize, which has led to an
enormous response globally.”
Fans will spend six days in Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Wellington and visit
Hobbit locations, taking in the sights and sounds in places they will recognise as they
journey through New Zealand.
“While it’s wonderful to have 150 fans, we will really be focused on the 50 broadcast,
print and online media and the images and stories they will send back to their home
countries. We will supply content to make sure we leverage the fan journey to the
max.”
Lilly pleased with progress
- pg15
Ms Ingram said TNZ has worked with Warner Bros on 10 pre-screenings of the film
to generate interest and excitement about travel trade media. “We have had great
success doing that previously.”
Helping us explore the future
- pg16
With the global premier there is also an opportunity. There are no dates but we are
happy with where it will be as it’s good from a tourism perspective.”
TIA sets record straight - pg17
TNZ will run a media junket at the same time as the premiere to ensure the New
Zealand story is told to the maximum.
Hawkey on nightshift for St John
- pg18
“We will continue to work with AirNZ to achieve leverage outcomes, and we will be
updating Hobbit material on newzealand.com,” she said.
“We are coming to the end of The Hobbit and we want to make sure
(to pg3)
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
Pages Past
20 years ago in IT...
WELLINGTON needs a single tourism organisation says mayor Fran Wilde.
She told a Wellington Civic Trust seminar a new Tourism Wellington is needed
which is supported by the whole region. It would need public funding put into
the pot “but politicians’ fingers must be kept out of it”.
China Sales
Manager
Southern Discoveries is a
premium
tourism
operator
with over 60 years experience
in Milford Sound, Te Anau and
Queenstown offering a range
of products and services. As a
result of expansion and growth
in inbound tourism, we wish to
appoint a China Sales Manager
to the sales and marketing team.
Reporting to the International
Sales Manager Asia, the
successful candidate must have:
* A proven sales record within
Chinese speaking markets of the
inbound tourism industry
* Can demonstrate an ability
to develop and maintain
relationships with agencies and
accounts
*
Take
responsibility
for
optimising and performing all
sales activities
* Fluent in Mandarin and English
(written and spoken)
Tourism Wellington has a $200,000 budget and the Capital Development
Agency $2 million. Tourism Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast Enterprise Trust must
also play their part.
The capital needs a tourism masterplan PATA Wellington Taskforce member
Dain Simpson told the seminar.
Key destinations, such as Queenstown, Auckland, Milford and Rotorua, will
be under so much pressure to respond to demand that they will place less
emphasis on alternative or independent experiences, or match the cultural
dimension offered by the Wellington region.
Business Development Minister Roger Maxwell says he played no part in the
approval of two grants to a company owned by his sister Annette Shaw of
Wharekauhau Lodge.
A steering committee has up to six months to find an appropriate trademark
for Maori souvenirs.
Video games giant Sega is considering a $250 million chain of space-age
theme parks throughout New Zealand.
October 10 is the date the InterIslander starts its first 24-hour continuous
sailing schedule.
The Bed and Breakfast Council has been set up.
15 years ago in IT...
IT readers have been concerned at the sudden departure of many “old
hands” at NZTB (now TNZ) but CEO George Hickton says his team is “highly
skilled and very knowledgeable about the industry”.
Will ITOs go the way of dinosaurs? ITOC (now TECNZ) president Mark
Sainsbury says it’s fashionable to prophesy the end of their ilk. But despite
this ITOC’s share of the market is growing.
Based in Auckland, the position
will require international and
domestic travel. You must have
the appropriate visa to work in
New Zealand.
ITOC CEO Peter Lowry says the industry can plan ahead with optimism.
“Tough times sharpen the mind and often develop a better and more
focused industry where players share their knowledge and work together
for a more united industry.”
To request a copy of the position
description, or apply for the
role, please submit your CV (no
more than four pages) to martin.
ewen@southerndiscoveries.
co.nz. Applications close 17
October 2014.
After being closed to the public for two years, Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua,
is being reopened by former NZTB board member John Marsh.
AirNZ’s website is so badly structured it’s largely unusable, says Internet
Society chairman Jim Higgins.
PM Jenny Shipley has refused to have a caveat placed on Lilybank Safari
Lodge, Tekapo, when asked to do so by Alliance MP Matt Robson. The lodge
is owned by Tommy Putra, son of former Indonesian President Suharto,
himself under investigation for corruption.
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
(from pg1) all the material online tells a fullsome Middle-earth story so it benefits all
the parts of the country involved in the film.”
Asked about the long-term benefit of films, GM global marketing communications
Kate Necklen told the webinar LOTR and The Hobbit trilogy will influence people’s
decision to travel to New Zealand for years.
“We will probably less actively utilise the actual film in terms of promoting the
destination, but we are taking a lot from the work we have done in past years to help
build on what comes next and around this idea of a journey,” she said.
“We have had good learnings around our tone of voice and how we position NZ in our
markets. The fantasy language The Hobbit films have encouraged us to use in our ads
really resonates with our consumers and it is quite unique in the destination marketing
space. So that is something we will look to continue to use,” she said. “Some elements
to our work will remain and the films will certainly continue to be an influence on
people’s decisions to travel.”
After the movies are finished, where does 100%Middle-earth go? Will 100% Pure
morph into something else? “We will drop the use of 100%Middle-earth but we will
continue with 100%Pure. That is our brand,” Ms Necklen said.
Power of reality show sees Kiwi recognised in Shanghai
SO popular is China’s biggest reality show, Dad, Where Are We going? that TNZ regional
marketing communications manager Sue Marshall was recognised as a Kiwi when she
went for a coffee in teeming Shanghai. She had been on a preview for the show for
barely two minutes during the two episodes.
“She was in a café when someone said ‘you are from New Zealand.’ as they had seen her
on the show,” GM global marketing communications Kate Necklen told the webinar.
“So already you can see the impact the show is having and we haven’t even had the
episodes launched yet. So it is a massive audience and highly popular. Someone who
came on the trip here put up a post on his time in New Zealand and received 90,000
likes.”
Sue Marshall
The celebrity fathers included two of the most popular and famous actors in China,
Huang Lei and Lu Yi, gymnast and Olympic champion Yang Wei, Taiwanese singersongwriter Gary Cao, Hong Kong actor Francis Ng and celebrities Huang Bo and Tong
Dawei.
TNZ’s GM PR and major events Rebecca Ingram, along with 200 staff members and
crew, flew in from China for the filming, and 60 New Zealanders were also involved.
Those who have seen the episodes and have been here already tended to follow the
show’s itinerary exactly.
They were not your average dads. “They are mega stars in China. Imagine five David
Beckhams in New Zealand with their children and Victoria comes in for the last
episode. That is the scale of the stars here to film the show. They are massive.”
First Crossings star to speak at BYATA
THE BYATA annual conference is being held at the Copthorne Lakefront Resort,
Queenstown, from October 23-24.
Speakers include First Crossings presenter Jamie Fitzgerald, Andrew Shaw of Lane
Neave, on higher restrictions on health and safety, Simon Young, discussing social
media in China, TNZ CEO Kevin Bowler and motivational speaker Cam Calkoen of
Living Awesomely. Visit: www.byata.org.nz/conference-2014/registration-page/.
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
East goes West - how Little Does it...
BY 2020 China will probably be the West Coast’s biggest market, so the current boom
in Chinese visitors is no flash in the pan, Tourism West Coast CEO Jim Little told a
massive global webinar on Wednesday.
MBIE figures show credit card expenditure growth of 114 percent in the past year
alone. “Many Chinese also carry a lot of cash. Expenditure has gone from $7 million to
$15 million in 12 months. So it could really be much more.”
One group of six spent $48,000 in one hit at the jade factory in Hokitika. “We like that,”
he said, smiling.
Mr Little was one of more than 50 tourism experts from around the world who took
part in the 12-hour inaugural webinar organised by the China Outbound Tourism
Research Institute (COTRI).
At least 12,000 viewers in more than 20 countries also heard him highlight how
successful the region has been in hosting increasing numbers from the PRC.
“Group tours have been coming to the West Coast for the past three years,” he said,
“They travel through the Haast Pass to Franz Josef and up to Greymouth and then join
the Tranz Alpine to Christchurch.”
Jim Little as he appeared
to 12,000 webinar viewers
around the world.
The tours are so successful hotels are welcoming 60-70 Chinese guests every Tuesday,
Friday and Sunday nights for dinner, bed and breakfast. Up to 24,000 people arrive in
such groups every year.
FIT visitors travel in 4-8-seater vans and drive throughout the region for short
experiences in different places before moving on. They are in their 20s and 30s, Mr
Little said.
When Waitoto River Safaris told him the visitors would be offered trips lasting 2.5
hours, Mr Little suggested cutting these to 20 minutes each way with time for a smoke
and a hot drink. That worked. “They are getting a lot interest because of that.”
Most West Coast operators are export-ready, understand international markets and
embrace the Chinese market with open arms, he said. “It’s all very positive.
“We run Are You China-ready? workshops and most operators have got their act
together as far as the Chinese are concerned.”
At the jade factory staff members have to learn a new Chinese phrase each week. “It is
also full-on with China Union Pay credit facilities right down the coast. A lot of motels
have it.”
Tourism West Coast markets to the Chinese through the collective South, which is
organised by Christchurch Airport and involves other South Island RTOs.
“We put (money) into a central fund and employ Swallow Wang in Shanghai, who
works out of TNZ’s offices. She gets around the trade promoting the South Island,” Mr
Little told his webinar audience.
“We, as the West Coast, work directly with the likes of inbound tour operators. We
have also been to Guangzhou, courtesy of Christchurch Airport, and conducted
presentations to China Southern Airlines’ 50 sales staff and, next day, to 85 wholesale
and retail agents. Feedback and repeat business is very, very good,” he said.
“Growth is phenomenal and some predictions to 2020 are huge. The market will be
bigger than Australia.”
Christchurch Airport had only the day before signed an MoU with GZL, one of China’s
largest outbound agents.
“That will pour a lot more traffic through Christchurch into the South Island.
(to pg5)
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
(from pg4) The airport, in the past 12 months, has seen 48 percent growth in the China
market. Then add China Airlines from Taipei, coming in via Sydney. It is picking up a lot
of Chinese from Australia, so will be adding extra capacity trans-Tasman. That will also
impact on the market.”
He said the industry has to know what Chinese want on their trips. “Ask the customer
what they want and then deliver in it. It is basic and simple.
“Chinese like a short snapshot of things. They like to eat hot meals at 6pm and have
hot drinks. In their rooms they like herbal or green teas, slippers - simple things like
that. Also we need to have signage around the place in simplified Chinese so, if they
want to go out and smoke, they know where to go.
He said that when the Chinese started arriving on the coast some operators had a fear
of dealing with people who do not necessarily speak English.
“But the market is not just back-country China. It is about 750,000 Chinese people
living in Australia and Singaporean and Hong Kong Chinese, who often have English as
their first language.
“Then people from Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai have a level of sophistication
and are confident travellers. People who do not speak English have tour guides. I
think some operators were originally in fear of that because it was the unknown for
them. But since the workshops everyone is plugged into all that, and results have been
spectacular.”
Mr Little said that, during his recent trip to China, another RTO rep asked him why the
group was focusing only on Guangzhou. “I said there are 12.9 million people. Where
else do you want to go? If we could get even one percent of that we would be looking
sharp.”
FTA was signal China tourism would
be big for NZ - crystal ball gazer
Zane Smith
WHEN New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with China in 2008, Vation Ltd
MD Zane Smith told last week’s inaugural China Outbound Tourism Research Institute
(COTRI) webinar he realised then outbound tourism would be big.
“When you are in marketing you are always looking into your crystal ball as to where
the next market is coming from,” he said via Skype.
“We are always working on the ground with people and developing products and
services and we started looking at China since then.
“This market has been very active for the past three years, especially during the past 12
months and in the past six months it has really started to take on a lot of speed.”
A viewer from California asked about small groups wanting soft adventure. Coordinator, Prof Dr Wolfgang Georg Arlt from COTRI, said many operators around the
world still focus on groups wanting mainly shopping and photo stop opportunities.
“So New Zealand is doing something quite different. What are the differences in
different segments?” he asked Mr Smith.
“Historically NZ has been dealing with FIT as well as wholesale bus tours. We have a lot
(of people) who want passive adventure.”
Many New Zealanders thought the Chinese would not be interested in adventurous
activities.
“But we looked at how we could adapt our product and service to suit the needs of this
new emerging Chinese market. Because we have a perception our
(to pg6)
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
(from pg5) adventure tourism is high energy, high adrenalin and high risk we had to
paint a picture of what our offerings really were.
“We were painting that picture for independent travellers, as well as coach travellers
and outbound travel wholesalers.
“So we worked on getting the marketing message right and the product and service
right as well.
“New Zealand, is a high-energy, high-adrenalin nation but we have, over many years,
developed a variety of passive adventures as well,” he said.
“A lot of risk is perception of risk. It is perceived. So it is about getting that message
across. Perceived versus actual risk is often very different and the way you work with
the risk. So the product and service are very important to develop and to get the
message right for the market.
“Then you talk to the wholesalers and outbound agents and get them involved. We
spend a lot time bringing our outbound agents to New Zealand and showcasing and
taking them on familiarisations and getting them to see what we do. We also work in
having them on board helping us to develop the products that best suit the needs of
their client groups. Many client groups are different.”
“New Zealand is
abuzz with the
China market”
As recently as 18 months ago many New Zealanders thought Chinese visitors would
never go bungy jumping, parachuting or white water rafting. “I would tell them: ‘never
say never’. Now Chinese are jumping out of planes on parachutes, rafting, bungy
jumping and certainly heli-hiking - which is the most popular,” he said.
Prof Arlt said few Chinese may be interested in adventure activities as in other
markets. “But a niche in China means hundreds of thousands. If you have 100 million
travellers you have all kinds of people with all kinds of interests and this is what you
have to cater for.”
Mr Smith said New Zealand is abuzz with the China market and the understanding
of what the travellers need is becoming stronger. “Because of the way we are
communicating to them it is only going to get bigger for us. We know that.
“Our government is very excited. Our minister of tourism happens to be our PM and
he is very actively involved in China with FTA and other areas. So China is definitely a
number-one growth market. It became the second largest very fast within two years.
So without a shadow of doubt NZ is focused on developing further our products and
services to fit the needs of this market. It is a big one for us.”
“The New Zealand PM is one of the few who is also Tourism Minister and he was reelected recently. So it seems he is doing something right,” Prof Arlt told the webinar.
Afterwards Mr Smith said New Zealand had the first presentation on the the webinar
and set the pace as industry leaders in Australia highlighted their efforts to attract
more Chinese, followed by speakers in Thailand, Iran, Kenya, Finland, Austria,
Scotland, England, Switzerland, Slovenia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the US.
“Feedback from COTRI has been fantastic,” he said.
COTRI’s Prof Dr Wolfgang
Georg Arlt during the
webinar.
Also representing New Zealand were Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park managers Nick
and Claire Blake, Fox Guides CEO Rob Jewel and operations manager Marius Bron.
“COTRI asked me to become involved as the NZ partner early last year after they
became aware of the work Vation Ltd was doing with clients in understanding and
preparing them for the Chinese market,” Mr Smith later told IT.
“I developed a series of customised training modules that were China-specific. These
were part of the wider product and service development strategies for certain clients.
As a result, one of my clients won a CTW award for service, I was in Beijing at the
COTTM tradeshow last year to pick it up. COTRI and I have been working together on
projects ever since.”
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
Premium important, says Bowler,
who predicts record summer
LUXURY is an important segment of what TNZ does and CEO Kevin Bowler told
Luxperience media attendees he expects great results thanks to government
investment in the sector. “We are looking forward to a record summer.”
“The luxury segment is a vitally important part of our tourism sector,” he said. “It is still
reasonably small but a very important part of the value component. The government
recognised that two years ago and dedicated $5 million a year for four years to focus
specifically on attracting high value premium visitors to New Zealand. That has been
our priority for us over past 18 months as we have geared up to do that effectively.”
TNZ has attended most of the luxury shows around the world and has been building a
global team dedicated to the sector.
“We now have people specifically focused on luxury in New Zealand as well as Asia,
North America and Europe. It has become an important part of what we do. Given that
extra investment we are going to see great results.”
Luxury has grown 11 percent in the past year and, thanks
to strong product, is being better known as a premium
destination.
“We have a number of the world’s top luxury lodges and a
number of amazing concierge services that are delivering
exceptionally well,” he said.
BE
PAR
T OF
THE RUAPEHU
U
FUT
RE
Governance Opportunities – Trustee Ruapehu (RTO) Regional
Tourism Organisation
“What New Zealand can offer luxury visitors is a combination
of real opportunities to experience less well known areas,
getting into places that people normally can’t reach,
particularly accessing back country areas by helicopter and
staying in absolute luxury.
“In the Australian market we are focusing on food and wine
offerings. Skiing is top of mind with a record number of
Australians - and we are famous for our walks.”
Visit Ruapehu is looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals
with a passionate interest in the tourism potential of the Ruapehu
area. With its active volcanism, adventure opportunities and
heritage possibilities we feel that the sky is the limit. We are
seeking visionary people who can actively assist with our strategies
WRSURPRWHWKHYDULHGDQGVSHFLDO5XDSHKXRӽHULQJV
There were 35 New Zealand exhibitors at Luxperience and Mr
Bowler said the industry has supported TNZ’s efforts because
operators can see opportunities in attending.
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if the successful applicants have a majority of the following
attributes:
TWENTY of Luxury Lodges of New Zealand’s 28 members
attended Luxperience, its marketing representative Colleen
Ryan said, because they realised the whole is greater than the
sum of its parts.
This is a governance role and we are interested in people with
skills in strategic planning and developed skills in business and
marketing, preferably within the tourism sector.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Strategic understanding of planning and tourism development
Ability to work in partnership with iwi organisations
Marketing and business experience
Strong networks and understanding of public relations
Understanding of the governance role
Financial skills
Strong personal integrity
Applications close 5pm 17th October 2014
For more information please contact:
Jackie Mastrovich
Human Resources Manager
Ruapehu District Council
Private Bag 1001
Taumarunui 3946
ph: 07 8958188 ext 230
ddi: 07 8960203
fax: 07 8953256
email: jackiem@ruapehudc.govt.nz
Most luxury lodges attended
“It is great to see the breadth and depth of the group by
having a lot of our people here. It is a big range that we have
because we have been developing since 1924 with Huka.
Some of the lodges are five years old and some 50, so stylewise they are all different,” she told IT.
“But what we need to get across is that they have more in
common than differences. All are in amazing locations. All
have unique experiences, and all meet criteria as we inspect
every year.”
Inspections involve an ITC - known in the sector as a DMC who knows what international guests require and
(to pg8)
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
(from pg7) a member of the organisation’s assessment panel. “They stay the night and
have an experience and get an idea of what international clients are experiencing. The
lodges have to pass to stay in the group.” Do you ever turn any down?
“We don’t let them in in the first place. I receive an application a month and we are not
Just
another day
at the office!
Queenstown’s Dart River experiences are a unique combination of
exciting braided-river jet boating, full-day inflatable kayak trips,
breathtaking scenery, Ngai Tahu heritage and inspiring adventure
– truly authentic expressions of everything that makes New Zealand
an exceptional destination.
Business Manager – Dart River
We are seeking a highly motivated and capable people leader with a passion for fun and
the outdoors to lead and develop the team at Dart River, incorporating Jet Boats, Customer
Services, Funyaks and Wilderness Guides, ensuring business profitability and success.
Reporting to the Southern Region General Manager, the Dart River Business Manager is
responsible for…
s¬ ENSURING¬QUALITY¬AND¬CUSTOMER¬EXPERIENCE¬STANDARDS¬ARE¬AT¬THE¬HIGHEST¬LEVEL
s¬ SEEKING¬OUT¬EXCITING¬AND¬INNOVATIVE¬WAYS¬TO¬IMPROVE¬THE¬CUSTOMER¬EXPERIENCE
s¬ MOTIVATING¬AND¬LEADING¬THE¬TEAM¬ENSURING¬$ART¬2IVER¬PROVIDES¬A¬SATISFYING¬AND¬PRODUCTIVE¬
work environment and driving the strategy and vision for the business
s¬ PROVIDING¬STRATEGIC¬INPUT¬AND¬WORKING¬CLOSELY¬WITH¬THE¬LOCAL¬SALES¬AND¬MARKETING¬TEAM¬
s¬ ENSURING¬$ART¬2IVER¬OPERATES¬AT¬THE¬HIGHEST¬LEVEL¬OF¬SAFETY¬FOR¬BOTH¬STAFF¬AND¬CUSTOMERS
s¬ MONITORING¬THE¬MONTHLY¬PERFORMANCE¬AND¬INSPIRING¬THE¬BUSINESS¬TO¬DELIVER¬AGREED¬
organisational results and synergies
s¬ DEVELOPING¬AND¬MONITORING¬THE¬CAPITAL¬INVESTMENT¬PROGRAMME
s¬ ADHERENCE¬TO¬LEGAL¬AND¬REGULATORY¬REQUIREMENTS¬IN¬ALL¬RESPECTS
s¬ MAINTAINING¬AWARENESS¬OF¬LOCAL¬ENVIRONMENTAL¬ISSUES
Our ideal candidate will have…
s¬ BUSINESS¬MANAGEMENT¬EXPERIENCE¬IN¬THE¬TOURISM¬INDUSTRY
s¬ STRONG¬PEOPLE¬LEADERSHIP¬SKILLS
s¬ DEMONSTRATED¬ABILITY¬TO¬RELATE¬TO¬A¬VARIETY¬OF¬CULTURES¬AND¬TO¬MANAGE¬A¬WIDE¬VARIETY¬OF¬
business elements
s¬ EXCELLENT¬¬COMMUNICATION¬SKILLS¬AND¬THE¬ABILITY¬TO¬INm¬UENCE
s¬ COMMERCIAL¬AWARENESS
What’s in it for you?
s¬ MEDICAL¬INSURANCE
s¬ COMPANY¬DISCOUNTS
s¬ COMPETITIVE¬REMUNERATION¬PACKAGE
s¬ AN¬EXCEPTIONAL¬PRODUCT¬AND¬WONDERFUL¬TEAM¬OF¬PEOPLE¬TO¬SHARE¬YOUR¬DAY¬WITH
We operate seven days a week so you may need to be available from time to time over
WEEKENDS¬AND¬PUBLIC¬HOLIDAYS¬IF¬REQUIRED¬.GAI¬4AHU¬4OURISM¬IS¬COMMITTED¬TO¬PROVIDING¬A¬
SAFE¬AND¬DRUG¬FREE¬WORKPLACE¬4HE¬SUCCESSFUL¬APPLICANT¬WILL¬NEED¬TO¬PASS¬A¬PREEMPLOYMENT¬
medical which includes drug and alcohol testing.
If you would welcome this opportunity to lead business
performance in an exciting business environment please
register your interest for this position by visiting our careers
site and applying online.
For more information and to apply online visit:
workforus.nttourism.co.nz (job code 4105IT)
For any enquiries contact Steve Richardson, HR Manager on
021 777 007
Applications close 20 October 2014.
www.dartriver.co.nz
looking to grow as 29 is a nice number to represent,” Ms
Ryan said. “What matters is that everyone in the group
meets our criteria. That is how we are driven.
“I do marketing, not sales, so I do not clash with DMCs
because I don’t get into their territory. We have a good
relationship with all ITOs and I provide information and
things such as booklets and look after the website.”
Lodges at Luxperience ranged from Minarat Station,
where access is only by helicopter, to historic Pen-yBryn in the middle of Oamaru. “So people get a sense of
the diversity of the styles, which are more diverse than
Australian lodges.
“Standards are constantly rising. It is not whether taps
are 18- or 22-carat gold but in terms of experiences.
“People may be interested in bird watching. Well, we
have lodges where they are reintroducing the kiwi in the
bush around property, and guests can help set traps for
the mammals that have a habit of eating kiwis. So clients
can go out and get their hands dirty.”
She cited a lodge on Otago Peninsula where staff
members take guests to a Maori carver who teaches
them how to work greenstone.
“It is not so much watching as engaging with things.
People talk about ‘connectedness’ as if it is just
something in cyber space but it’s actually in people’s
hearts and minds as well. People don’t want to just look
at things anymore. They want to touch, feel and become
involved.”
Traditional markets back - Ryan
NEW ZEALAND’S premium sector is doing extremely
well with big growth out of traditional markets for the
first time since GFC, Luxury Lodges of New Zealand
marketing representative Colleen Ryan told IT during
Luxperience.
The US is growing in leaps and bounds. Germany is doing
really well. France is beginning to grow, but from a small
base.
“Because of the GFC when everything went flat everyone
started looking for new markets so we also developed the
Asian premium market,” Ms Ryan said.
“We recognise that is different to our traditional markets.
So we had to adjust the product sometimes.”
Are notable differences needed to cater to Asians?
“Catering is a state of mind. If it is in your heart to do it
you can. The owner of one of our smaller lodges is fluent
in Mandarin. It’s things such as being able to provide
Asian breakfasts for example.
(to pg9)
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
(from pg8) “Asian guests want to try New Zealand food but when it comes to
breakfast, around the world we are all particular. We have always provided European
breakfasts. If we had Dutch or German people staying we would always have a meat
and cheese platter, so what is the difference with providing an Asian breakfast?”
Sofitel is 50!
ACCOR’s luxury brand Sofitel is 50 this year and there are properties in 40 countries
on five continents, company COO Simon McGrath said at a Luxperience media
briefing.
There is a trend back to luxury and Accor in Australia and New Zealand will do
well. While there are mass, mid and economy markets luxury properties are also
required, he said. “You do need your luxury elements and luxury one of your calling
cards. So, over the next decade, you will see many more luxury developments
throughout the region. Good product also makes current product start to think
what they need to do as well in terms of refurbishment. So you get a second
benefit from that. Having new product as well as the current product you will see
people investing in refurbishments and driving to the luxury market.”
Lodge stayers are branching out
NEW trends to emerge in the luxury sector in recent times include a desire not to
spend every night in a luxury lodge but to experience other forms of accommodation,
including hiring campervans, Luxury Lodges of New Zealand marketing representative
Colleen Ryan told IT.
“There were times when people would only stay in premium properties and there are
still some in that category. But now people want to mix and match more so they might
stay in a fabulous lodge for three nights and then take a campervan two days.”
Another trend is a desire for authentic experiences. “People used to go to lodges for
the sake of going to a lodge but now they see it a part of broader experience,” Ms Ryan
said. “In-bounders are always looking for something new and finding things off the
beaten track. In a way, by definition, that’s what lodges are.”
She cited Earthsong Lodge on Great Barrier Island as one example, while another is on
Otago Peninsula. “So when ITOs are told clients do not want to stay in towns a lodge
is the obvious solution. We have good relationships with all the high-end IBOs. So it
works well,” she said.
Registrations for BYATA conference now open!
Registrations for the 2014 BYATA
Conference in Queenstown are
now open at: www.byata.org.
nz/conference-2014/registrationpage/
Date: 23-24 October
Venue: Copthorne Lakefront
Resort.
Coct: $399 Members / $599 NonMembers / Additional Delegate
and Day Pass $299
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
NZ had highest profile at show,
Porter reckons
NEW Zealand stole the show at Luxperience with 35 exhibitors and the TNZ and AirNZ
buyers and media lounge filling a third of the venue at Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay, Sydney.
“We have a very well-presented luxury group of products,” Seasonz Travel MD Sam
Porter told IT. “It is outstanding.
“I am sat opposite Dart River. They are luxury but they also have backpackers
experiencing their products. This is the thing about luxury it doesn’t have to be a sixstar lodge to be luxury. People who like to stay at Blanket Bay or Huka also like to jump
out of a plane or jump off a bridge or ride in a jet boat. We need the whole industry to
have a luxury product - not just the $3,000 a night rooms.”
Mr Porter said no one has as much luxury product as NZ and the reason we are doing
well in luxury is because New Zealand products appeal to everyone from families to
young travellers and people who like food and wine. Why? “Because luxury to one is
different to luxury to another,” he said.
“Our diverse range of products is our unique selling point. That is why there are 35
operators here. You can go down any of the NZ aisles and there’s fun stuff and lots of
things to do that are luxury. But it can also be fantastic fun for someone who does not
have the budget. Not all product is expensive and that is important.”
Sam Porter
Can he see any hiccoughs on the horizon? “The dollar doesn’t help, although it has
become a lot better in the past few weeks.
“We are lucky to have a good tourism body and a good airline. They are important
building blocks for any luxury industry. Having both in a strong place right now is
very good for us all and we are lucky because we have such a great diverse range of
products. So we have a lot to sell.
“The luxury
industry is in a
very buoyant
place.”
“We are also fortunate to have such a quality bunch of people passionate about their
products running these lodges and experiences that also take on the international
marketing. It’s the people that sell NZ.
“Premium visitors do not come to New Zealand for a retail experience. Wealthy
people, if they are living in New York, San Francisco or LA, are not coming to do a lot of
shopping. But from my 15 years in the industry there are always glowing reports about
how friendly New Zealanders are - and our service is Kiwi-style,” Mr Porter said.
“We don’t necessarily do it the way it is done in people’s homes but we do it our way.
Service in New Zealand is fantastic and we are lucky because the experience is so
supeb.”
The North American luxury market for New Zealand is back where it was pre GFC and
at Virtuoso New Zealand was named the top desirable destination.
“The luxury industry is in a very buoyant place. It’s good to see what TNZ is doing. The
LA office has done a great job and we are starting to see real benefits from that. Their
commitment to the travel shows confirms they are committed to luxury so we are
starting to see it all come together. The percentage of luxury visitors will keep rising.”
The cost of reaching New Zealand is not cheap, even for the wealthy. But once in the
country high-enders find Kiwis have some of the best luxury products in the world, and
are priced accordingly.
“Luxury, of course, to one is not luxury to another but what we have are new and varied
products from Minaret Stations where you have to fly in, to B and Bs in the middle of
towns.
“Seeing the tourism board really enthused, with a good budget and doing some good
things. That is great,” Mr Porter added.
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
10
Your personality is your selling
point, and then your product
YOUR product is your personality, TECNZ conference delegates were told during a fast
moving, thought-provoking presentation.
“What makes you you is what attracts people. Your product is secondary. Personality
always comes first,” Justin Herald said. He should know. The unlikely Aussie fashion
mogul and founder of Attitude Gear started what in six years became a multi-milliondollar business - with $50 borrowed from his brother. He was named Australian
Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004, has written four books and spends his time
encouraging others to think outside the box.
A woman at his father’s church said he would end up on the “scrap heap of life”
because he had a disease: speaking before thinking.
At 25 he desperately wanted to prove her wrong. As he had only $1.25 in the bank, he
told his brother he wanted to get up the woman’s nose - and $50 was his. He bought
four plain t shirts, put messages on them, and the following Sunday he and three
others sat in the front row of the church, to the woman’s horror.
Other people saw the shirts and asked to buy them. So he sold those, printed eight
more, sold those, then printed 16 and sold them.
Justin Herald
This carried on until turnover hit $980,000 in the first year and $2.5 million in the
second year. The business ended up being worth $37.5 million as a global brand.
T-shirt slogans? ‘It’s all about luck, ask any loser’, ‘I don’t have an attitude problem, I
have a perception problem’ and ‘Sarcasm is just another service I provide’.
“I am very much consumer driven,” he told delegates. “I need them to tell me what to
do. Then I don’t have to do any thinking,” he said, to laughter.
His friends were telling him how to run his business - until he remembered they were
on the dole. “So from that day I decided to run my business one way and one way only.
My way.
“Be friendly, for
Pete’s sake.”
“Common sense. It’s not common any more. It’s now like deodorant. The people who
really need to use it never do.
“You are in tourism, so be friendly, for Pete’s sake,” he said. “You have to realise people
are purchasing you at the same time as your offering.”
“Next” is his favourite four letter word, because ideas do not always work. If that is the
case then move on.
“The person you need to impress on a daily basis is yourself. You need to be able to say
‘I didn’t know I could do that’. It means operating outside your comfort zone. The only
time you will grow is when you are out (of the box) and not in it.”
His father, a minister, said there is always someone smarter than yourself. “So find
that person and learn from them,” Mr Herald told delegates. “I am surprised how many
business people do not have a mentor.”
He also warned against pre-judging potential customers on who they are or what they
are looking for . “It costs a lot of money to look like a dag these days.”
T-shirts are all the same, just as tours are all the same. What makes people return to a
business? “Personality. Your personality.”
Operators should use their customers to promote the businesses by giving them
business cards to hand out or to suggest, when visitors are taking selfies, to tag you.
You could also take the photograph for them.
“We assume if people are having a good time they will tell everyone. Nah.
(to pg12)
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
11
(from pg11) We have to give them permission. The easiest way is social media. That
way they are spreading the word for free.”
After appearing on a well-known radio station and then a TV current affairs
programme, Mr Herald decided never to spend a cent on advertising. He uses the
media to increase business.
He suggested delegates visit sourcebottle.com.au, a free site where the media go
when they are looking for comment or quotes from experts. This can work wonders for
businesses, too.
“Remember, the person who answers the phone is the face and voice of your
business, not you,” he said. “The most valuable thing you have in your business is your
intellectual property. You need to trade mark it. Goodwill? There’s no such thing when
it comes to selling your business. If you get a trade mark you are set.”
“Money is the
by-product for
doing a good
job.”
Never do anything just for money. “Money is the by-product for doing a good job. So
just do a good job. If you think you are in business to make money and not do a good
job, don’t ask why your business isn’t working.”
Business is not just about being, calm, cool and collected. “Excitement leads to passion
and passionate people are the ones that produce in business.
“Your future success does not have a lot to do with what you know. So you need to
learn - and unlearn - more. This why it never ends.
“I still have mentors in my life as I want them to teach me how to do business better.”
This from a man with a trade mark licensed to 180 companies selling everything
from surfboards to socks. About 900 products have “Attitude” on them and he earns
anything from 2.5 percent to 22.5 percent commission on each sale. “And all because
some woman told me I had an attitude problem.”
Many delegates would have forgotten the “why” in their businesses. “Why did you
start? Not because you want to be successful. I still enjoy pissing off the lady. She hates
it and sends me emails saying I have to stop talking about her.
“That is why I do what I do, to get the experiences I want to experience. So, if I want to
experience good stuff, I just need to do my business well. I sold Attitude 10 years ago. I
got bored working two days a year.”
Mr Herald hates bad service. So do many others. But they don’t complain. Now you
can. Many large companies have removed “contact us” on their websites because they
don’t want to hear complaints.
“Whether it is a compliment or complaint you can now directly go to that
organisation’s social media pages.
“As a small business owner you should give good business every day. Large companies
don’t seem to case a flying fig, however.”
Fish grow to the size of their environment. “Put a small carp in a small pond and it will
stay small, but take that same carp and put it into a new environment and it will grow
to fill and suit that environment.
“You want your business to grow? Then make sure you are growing with it. Some will
say ‘there’s no point changing as we have to stay the same. We have to be the rock in
business’. But you have to be fluid. You have to be able to change whenever the trend
changes - and be with it. In fact, be ahead of the change. People don’t grow because
they do the same things they have always done. “Sometimes you don’t know what to
do. Just do something and see if it works.” Create your own demand. But always have
fun.
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
12
Hobbiton provided a night of fun, food and frivolity!
THE TECNZ annual conference ended with an
eye-opening visit to Hobbiton for those who
had not been before. After wandering through
the movie set past its various Hobbit holes
and gardens, the 200 appropriately dressed
delegates came upon the Green Dragon inn for
a night of fun, food, frivolity, fire eaters and stilt
walkers.
Weta Cave Workshop provided an exhibition
of props from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
trilogy, together with working artisans.
The whole experience was masterfully
accomplished. All credit to Russell Alexander
and his crew. Meeting Russells’s father Ian was a highlight for many, as was reuniting
with former TNZ CEO George Hickton, who is now a director of Hobbiton and Park
Road Post Production. - Ed.
Chinese researchers to attend Waikato conference
THE 11th New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference will be held at
Waikato University from December 9-12.
The theme of the conference relates to tourism in the Asia Pacific region and a number
of key researchers have been attracted to the conference.
While the conference is essentially reporting research it is
felt that some of the speakers have insights into issues and
trends that may well appeal to those in tourism operations,
says convenor Prof Chris Ryan.
Operations Manager
Franz Josef Glacier Guides are an internationally recognised
guiding operation, that prides itself on providing the most
incredible glacier experience. Combining traditional guiding
techniques unique to New Zealand with modern innovations
we are able to access glacier terrain normally only seen by
experienced mountaineers.
You’ll join the leadership team in Franz Josef and manage
the glacier guiding operations. You will report to the
West Coast Business Manager and will work closely with
the Glacier Hot Pools Operations Manager with ongoing projects. This is an opportunity to show your skill,
leading the team to deliver great customer experience
(manaakitanga).
For more information and to apply online visit:
workforus.nttourism.co.nz and enter job code 4044.
Applications close 19th October 2014.
For enquiries please contact Craig Buckland,
Business Manager on: 03 752 0218.
Among them are: Prof Han Yuling, who heads a research
unit at Beijing International Studies University and was
the person who drafted much of China’s Travel Law; Prof
Haiyan Song, who edits the Journal of China Tourism
Research and is one of the foremost economists in tourism.
He is an author of the PATA Tourism Trends and Forecast
Reports; Prof Zhang Hanqin, who is based at the Hong
Kong Polytechnic University. He has undertaken research
in the Chinese hospitality industry for many years; Prof
Bao Jigang from Sun Yat Sen University, who has been
involved in many of China’s tourism destination plans,
and is conversant with trends with Chinese domestic and
outbound tourism.
Prof Ryan tells IT he can organise an industry session
on December 9 if there is enough interest. This would
concentrate on developments and trends in the Chinese
tourism market.
Prof Ryan is director of the China-New Zealand Tourism
Research Unit and holds several visiting Professorships in
China. He has also served on various advisory bodies for
New Zealand tourism with respect to the Chinese inbound
market and has edited two books on tourism in China.
* To attend contact: caryan@waikato.ac.nz.
Herald
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
13
Plan Change 50 - What does it all mean?
ON September 15, the Queenstown Lakes District Council (council) publicly notified its
proposed Plan Change 50 - Queenstown Town Centre Zone Extension (PC50), which
amends the provisions of Chapter 10 of the operative Queenstown Lakes District Plan.
By Andrew Green
The purpose of the plan change is to provide for an extension to the existing
Queenstown Town Centre Zone (QTCZ) through the rezoning of a number of sites
including the council-owned Lakeview site and privately owned land adjoining the
Lakeview site. PC50 seeks to establish two sub zones to the QTCZ: the Lakeview subzone (LSZ) and the Isle Street sub-zone outlined on the left here:
Objective 3, specifically for the LSZ, states that it is
for a “high-quality, attractive environment within
the Lakeview sub-zone where new business, tourist,
community and high-density residential activities
will be the predominant use”.
The plan change seeks to retain the Queenstown
CBD as the primary tourism hub. Importantly, an
independent report commissioned by the council
found that the expansion of the QTCZ is essential to
ensure an intensified urban development approach
that will relieve pressure on land values and will
ensure high-value commercial activities can locate
within the QTCZ rather than in locations far from
the hub of tourism activity.
The report suggests that in order to progress this
strategy the council should: Extend the QTCZ;
use non-RMA methods to encourage tourism and
commercial-retail development to concentrate in the CBD; promote intensive development
of hotels, a conference centre, an extended casino, restaurants and cafes, entertainment
and cultural venues, high-end retail stores, and commercial offices in the expanded QTCZ;
work to develop a marketing strategy that gives more emphasis to attraction of highspending international visitor segments than domestic tourists; focus on the QTCZ as the
principal centre for tourism activity in the district over the next decade, and then switch
emphasis to developing Wanaka as an international tourism destination (the “Twin Hub”
strategy).
Interestingly, another report casts some doubt on whether the council’s proposed
Convention Centre is an essential or desirable part of the plan change. The report notes a
“default scenario” for the plan change that does not include a
convention centre.
The sites within the LSZ are earmarked for development as
follows (noting that any development within the LSZ must be
in accordance with the LSZ Structure Plan (figure 2 to PC50)
and the Height Limits Plan (figure 3 to PC50): (See left)
Of note are the height limits, particularly in the area labelled
“development land #1”, which range from 15.5m to 26m. PC50
also has a site standard which provides for a 2m “roof bonus”
additional to the maximum height limit imposed by the Height
Limit Plan.
In contrast with objective three, the master plan, together
with the wording and structure of the rules and methods,
would indicate that the primary outcome for the LSZ is the
establishment of the convention centre. PC50 remains largely
silent on the high-density residential and community activities
to which objective three refers.
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
14
Lilly pleased with T2025 progress
GOOD progress is being made towards the Tourism 2025 (T2025) goal of doubling
turnover to $41,000 million and the growth framework will continue to guide TIA’s
strategic thinking and priorities, says TIA’s newly re-elected chairman Grant Lilly.
“This includes issues like infrastructure development, sustainability, removing barriers
to travel and getting the workforce right - all priorities identified by members and
included in TIA’s 2014 Tourism Election Manifesto.”
These, and T2025 progress, will be discussed at the TIA Summit in Wellington on
November 4. “We have secured an impressive line-up of speakers. This will be a great
opportunity to look at what is being done across the public and private sectors to put
Tourism 2025 into action. The board will be heavily involved in the Summit, and we are
sure TIA members and others with a stake in the tourism industry will find it well worth
attending,” says Mr Lilly, who was re-elected as general industry sector representative.
Grant Lilly
Mr Lilly was unanimously re-elected chairman and Positively Wellington Tourism CEO
David Perks was re-elected deputy chairman.
Other directors re-elected: Air Transport - Auckland Airport CEO Adrian Littlewood;
Land Transport - THL CEO Grant Webster.
HAPNZ CEO Fergus Brown has joined to represent the motels, other accommodation
and hospitality sector. He replaces Mitchell Corp CEO Matt Standing, who stood down.
Real Journeys CEO Richard Lauder was co-opted.
Heli-hiking the Tasman
ALPINE Guides is to start landing helicopters on the top of the Tasman Glacier from
October 20 allowing people up to two hours on the ice. The Mount Cook glacier
heli-hike costs $ 545.00 per person, with a minimum of four.
h e tan g ata , h e tan g ata , h e tan g ata
EMILY Byrne has become TIA’s events and sponsorship manager. She was
previously events and sponsorship manager at the Human Resources Institute of
New Zealand (HRINZ). She has also worked in events roles at the Agriculture ITO,
SkyCity, Alexandra Park Function Centre and Westpac.
Queenstown Resort College graduate Sarah Van Glabbeek is the first female to
drive commercially for Hukafalls Jet.
She gained an adventure tourism management diploma in July and joined the
company in a customer services role.
Soon after, company founder Phil Ball spotted in her a keenness and willingness to
learn and suggested she start training as a jet boat driver.
“They had a vacancy for a driver and Phil asked if I wanted to give it a go,” she says.
“I’d never even driven a boat before, but apparently that’s the best sort of people to
train, green with no bad habits - and I’m always up for some thrills and adventure.”
She is now a qualified commercial jet boat driver.
Ben Smith has been appointed to the new position of group manager, strategic
development with the Aviation Security Service (Avsec). He is currently manager of
the CAA’s safety investigation unit and will start his new job on October 20.
Mr Smith has served in front line, operational, strategic and project management
positions with the RAF and the RNZAF.
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
15
New journal will help industry explore the future...
THE future is like history. History is an explanation of changes that have occurred
whereas the future is about understanding how that change might occur, Dr Ian
Yeoman said during the launch of the Journal of Tourism Futures, an initiative led
by Dr Yeoman and the European Tourism Futures Institute. It explores how the
future is created and what the future could be.
“We cannot determine an exact future only picture a series of alternative futures
in which to act out and prepare for,” he told 30 industry leaders, students and
academics at Victoria University, Wellington, yesterday (Wednesday).
“Change is slow and rapid. Demography and ageing populations are certain and
slow whereas technology is of a scary pace,” he said.
Senior lecturer, Dr Christian Schott focused on the pivotal role of teaching and
learning in shaping the future of tourism,
“We need mindful, critical and creative thinking about tourism higher education
and how key trends, such as socio-economic, political and environmental
changes, will impact on society. As educators, we need to encourage and support
the development of broad skill sets that allow students to shape the future rather
than be passive participants in a future defined by others.”
The publication “sets out to facilitate a journey of understanding and debate
through scholarly articles about the future and how to make sense of the future
through a variety of methods and tools”.
Dr Yeoman said it is hoped the journal will be the written forum and first point
of reference for argument, dispute, controversy, ideas, direction, research and
discussion.
Does PhD student Sandra Goh
have our future in her hands?
She is holding a copy of the justreleased Journal of Tourism
Futures.
“The goal of this initiative is to bring academic rigour to the study of the future of
tourism.”
TIA CEO Chris Roberts noted the value and importance of rigorous research in
creating the future.
TIA policy and research manager Simon Wallace said insight rather than research
is the foundation of Tourism. “The framework places a strong emphasis on the
use of insight with TIA focused on driving a culture change in the industry that
values the importance of insight to inform business decision-making.”
Can research shape the future of tourism? the inaugural issues asks. The publication is
a result of growing awareness in academia and the professional world of an increasing
importance of tourism as a social phenomenon and as an economic sector.
“If we see that the impact on our lives, our culture and our economy is growing, it
becomes urgent that we understand how things will evolve, which variables determine
this development, and where we should intervene.
“The goal of this initiative is to bring academic rigour to the study of the future of
tourism,” Dr Yeoman says. Visit: www.etfi.eu/jtf
Gold Discovery Centre opens
WAIHI’S Gold Discovery Centre opened on Friday night, attended by Associate
Tourism Minister Todd McClay, Coromandel MP Scott Simpson and Hauraki District
mayor John Tregida. Visitors are led through an interactive journey from the early
mining days to the modern mining processes used today.
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
16
TIA sets the record straight...
IN response to the article in IT996 regarding the cost of safety audits, TIA CEO Chris
Roberts says the government passed the new regulations three years ago after a
comprehensive investigation into the safety of the adventure and outdoor sector.
Maritime New Zealand and the CAA have long carried out safety audit processes but
some classes of adventure and outdoor activities were not covered. The aim has been
to ensure consistently good safety practices across the commercial adventure and
outdoor activities sector, and protect our international reputation as an adventure
playground. That is something that should be supported by every operator.
“TIA has devoted an enormous amount of time and resource to this issue over many
years,” says Mr Roberts.
“TIA has no
control over the
costs.”
“We have worked closely with government agencies to ensure they were aware of the
challenges faced by operators in adjusting to such a big change in their sector, and
we have supported individual businesses to help get them over the line. We have also
established the www.SupportAdventure.co.nz website which holds a wealth of safety
information and advice for operators.”
Affected operators - large and small - must pass a safety audit by November 1. “There
have certainly been issues with the implementation process - the biggest difficulty
being an insufficient supply of auditors until recently.”
The blog reported by IT incorrectly blamed TIA for the cost of the audits, and was
corrected in a later blog by the author.
“TIA has no control over the costs. These are set by each audit provider. However, we
are confident that our involvement in the Adventure Safety Review, on behalf of the
industry, resulted in a less financially onerous regime than might otherwise have been
the case.
“However, the cost of an individual audit is unavoidable. The Government offered a
discount of $1,000-$1,500 to businesses who signed up with an audit provider by July
31. That sort of subsidy has never been provided to any other sector.
“We encourage operators to view their spending on an audit as an investment in
their business. Many of the operators who have been audited have told us that the
process has been extremely useful in helping them make improvements to their
business. The value of an independent external examination of your business can’t be
overestimated.”
Good safety systems and profitable businesses go hand-in-hand. You don’t see one
without the other, Mr Roberts says.
“We want every affected operator to be registered with WorkSafe by the deadline.
WorkSafe has made it clear that, from November 2, it will be taking action against
non-compliant businesses. Don’t let that be you.”
14 in summit hot seat
SOME 14 industry and government leaders will discuss their efforts to help the visitor
industry almost double annual revenue to $41,000 million by 2025 during the TIA
summit on November 4.
“Every tourism operator big and small has a part to play helping grow annual tourism
revenue from its current $24,000 million to $41,000 million by 2025, but we can’t
achieve this aspirational goal without strong leadership,” says TIA CEO Chris Roberts.
AirNZ CEO Christopher Luxon is to chair a session focusing on sectors that offer
tourism high value growth opportunities, including cruise, international students,
Christchurch, as a destination and gateway, and business events.
(to pg18)
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
17
(from pg17) TNZ CEO Kevin Bowler will run a session featuring heads of government
agencies whose support is needed to remove barriers to travel, improve the visitor
experience and provide relevant insight, including Immigration NZ, Statistics NZ,
Customs NZ, DoC and MBIE.
The third session features RTONZ, Maori Tourism, TECNZ, MANZ and HAPNZ.
“The programme allows plenty of time for delegates to put the hard questions to these
industry leaders,” says Mr Roberts, who will reveal how the industry is progressing
against the target.
“TIA led the development of Tourism 2025 with strong support from the industry’s
public and private sectors. The summit is part of our ongoing role as both ‘storyteller’
- highlighting where Tourism 2025 is being brought to life, and as the ‘poker and
prodder’ - keeping everyone aware of their collective responsibilities to deliver under
the framework.”
Westpac chief economist Dominick Stephens will provide an economic overview and
discuss what the economic outlook means for tourism. The programme also features
two international speakers: Mark McCrindle, one of the most expert demographers,
futurists and social commentators on the world stage today and Catherine DeVrye,
an inspirational and award-winning author, who speaks globally on customer service,
change and turning obstacles to opportunities, through resilience.
The day will end with the Wellington Airport summit dinner. The winners of the Crowe
Horwath Sir Jack Newman Award, the PATA NZ Trust Young Tourism Leader Award
and the ServiceIQ Visitor Experience Award will then be announced.
Competition for Fullers
EXPLORE Group has announced plans to run 12 direct ferry crossings a day
between Waiheke and Auckland, in competition with incumbent operator Fullers.
The service is due to start on Saturday. Explore is also planning six trips a day via
Rangitoto and Motutapu to capture the tourism market.
Luxon defends domestic fares
AIRNZ domestic fares have fallen two percent over the past five years, says CEO
Christopher Luxon. Stuff.co.nz quotes him as saying a review shows that prices are
significantly lower than five years ago, but he will keep trying to bring them down.
After the carrier posted a $262 million annual profit PM and Tourism Minister John Key
said the majority state-owned airline needed to keep working to reduce regional fares.
Mr Luxon says inflation has risen 10 percent over the five years and fuel costs continue
to rise. It is also harder to keep fares low on smaller aircraft, because there are less
economies of scale with fewer passengers.
Hawkey raising $$ for St John via nightshift
INDUSTRY personality and USB CEO Dave Hawkey is spending this Saturday on a
12-hour nightshift with St John Ambulance to raise money “for this great community
organisation”. “Throughout my life I have marvelled at how great a job St John’s
Ambulance does for the New Zealand community,” he tells IT.
Dave Hawkey
“Throughout the course of my career, much of which has been spent in the tourism
industry, St John has been there to look after Kiwis and visitors alike.
“St John has come to the aid of my children, as well as my parents and I’m sure for
many of you, you’ve had the same experience when they’ve come to assist your loved
ones.” To donate: https://fundraiseforstjohn.everydayhero.com/nz/dave-hawkey-1
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
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Chinese inspect Q’town’s potential as medical Mecca
Queenstown to become a
medical Mecca?
QUEENSTOWN could become an international Mecca for regenerative medicine, says
Monash University’s Prof Richard Boyd. He was commenting after a visit to the resort
by a Chinese delegation considering opening a $10-$20 million medical complex in the
resort.
One delegate, Xia Jie, owns the largest chain of diagnostic and wellness clinics
across China. He had meetings with Queenstown Lakes District Council, developers,
Queenstown Chamber of Commerce and Destination Queenstown as part of a fourday “fact-finding mission”, according to media reports.
Proposed sites for the medicine and medical research centre include Remarkables
Park, Five Mile and Jack’s Point.
Mr Xia’s company operates the Health 100 brand, with more than seven million
patients so far this year. If given the green light, the centre could attract up to 10,000
international clients from China and across the globe annually.
Fishing season opens with warning
THE fishing season opened yesterday (Wednesday) with DoC warning anglers not
to eat trout from pristine back-country waters and their downstream catchments,
where the department is conducting 1080 poisoning operations.
Increasing interest in hotel sales
HOTEL sales and construction activity are showing signs of renewed optimism with
improvement expected to continue into 2015, says Colliers International’s national
hotels director Dean Humphries.
“This increased activity is based on strong tourism and trading fundamentals which
are creating record occupancy and room rates in many of our major capital cities and
tourist destinations.”
Auckland is leading the charge, followed closely by Christchurch and Wellington, Mr
Humphries says. A number of new hotels are under construction in the three main
centres and many more are in the pre-development phases.
“There has been a twofold increase in sales this year over the same period last year”, he
says. “This is yet another signal that the hotel sector is showing signs of recovery.”
Now the world knows our barefoot fetish...
SHOCK: horror! A sizeable number of New Zealanders go out in public barefoot,
announces buzzfeed.com, placing us eighth in a list of “mind-blowing facts about
life in other countries”. Top of the list is the Netherlands where school finishes at
mid day on Wednesdays. Then comes Korea where locals believe that if you sleep
in a closed room with a fan going you will die. And Bhutan is third where wearing a
seatbelt is considered dangerous.
Find out why we are bringing Wellington closer to Asia
Hong Kong population: 7,200,000
Airport passengers: 59.9 million
Wellington region population: 500,000
Airport passengers: 5.5 million
www.connectwellington.co.nz
IT997 October 2nd, 2014
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