Visit New Zealand

So it’s now official, NZ is one of the top destinations in the world based on economic competitiveness.

At the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) third annual Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report showed that New Zealand was ranked 20th out of 133 countries, primarily because of its natural rich resources.

Switzerland, Austria and Germany took the lead, while Australia came in at ninth place.

As the report focused on different regulatory and business-related issues in relation to tourism development, it said New Zealand’s environment (including World Heritage Sites), airport infrastructure, high quality human resources, safe and secure environment and overall policy rules and regulations were its best factors for developing tourism.

March 6th, 2009 | Category: tourism | Leave a comment

New Zealand tourism sector is starting to feel the effects of the global recession, as November’s figures from Statistics New Zealand show that fewer people are visiting from overseas than the same period in 2007.

Short-term accommodation shows the biggest decline in bed-nights – there were 1.3 million guest nights in November 2008, which is an eight per cent difference from the year before.

All five accommodation types showed signs of a tourism downturn, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, backpackers and campgrounds.

January 27th, 2009 | Category: Travel | Leave a comment

NZ tourism industry says new taxes imposed by the UK on long-distance air travel are a serious concern, and will have a big impact on visitor numbers in God’s own.

The taxes are aimed at penalising those people who use the most fossil fuels and will make travel to this part of the world more expensive.

New Zealand second-biggest tourism market after Australia,  over 280,000 British holidaymakers generate almost $1 billion a year for the New Zealand economy, many of them screwed over by inflated prices for activities.

But the tourism industry here says new taxes being put on long distance travellers leaving Britain look likely to dramatically cut those numbers.

So the tourist activities people will have to go and screw some other people!

November 25th, 2008 | Tags: nz overcharging tourists | Category: Travel | Leave a comment

New Zealand Government has praised the travel industry for receiving yet another award for tourism. Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor said in a press release he is proud his country is being recognised so often in the international travel industry for its continued excellence.

The long-time running Australian travel show Getaway has labelled New Zealand ‘Country of the Year 2008′, because its diverse nature as a travel destination, natural beauty, thriving Indigenous and modern cultures, gourmet food and wine and wealth of unique travel experiences make it a world-class travel destination.

“It’s great that our international visitors are recognising the diversity and uniqueness of New Zealand as a tourism destination. This award shows that our tourism industry is delivering a high-quality experience to visitors,” Mr O’Connor said in his statement.

The Regional Manager of Tourism New Zealand, Barry Eddington, said, “Both the North and South Islands of New Zealand are distinctly different, boasting beautiful landscapes, adventure, luxury and a wide range of activities and events throughout the year.”

October 1st, 2008 | Category: Travel | Leave a comment