New Air New Zealand service boosts tourism

New Air New Zealand service boosts tourism

Today’s announcement that Australians will soon have a direct flight to Rotorua is a welcome boost to the tourism industry, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

“Rotorua and central North Island tourism operators will certainly be celebrating Air New Zealand’s announcement of two Sydney-Rotorua flights each week from December,” TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.

“Rotorua has been hard hit by the economic downturn, which has meant fewer package tours and fewer Asian visitors – two sectors who have traditionally visited Rotorua in large numbers. Australia has continued to be a growing market for the New Zealand tourism industry, and today’s announcement offers the potential for significant growth in arrivals from Sydney into Rotorua.”

Ministry of Tourism figures show that more than 200,000 Australians visit Rotorua each year, adding millions of dollars to the local economy. Increasing Rotorua’s accessibility will create excellent possibilities for stronger growth, Mr Cossar says. It will also directly benefit nearby regions including Tauranga and Taupo.

“Growing visitor numbers into New Zealand will help lead us out of recession, creating jobs and attracting valuable foreign exchange,” Mr Cossar says. “Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s iconic destinations and this new service will help it retain that status. I congratulate Rotorua’s tourism sector for the efforts they have put in to attracting international flights to the region.”

TIA members in Rotorua are excited about the new service and what it will mean for their businesses.

Polynesian Spa Managing Director Martin Lobb says it is tremendous news.

“We think it’s going to be very good for short breaks, bringing Australians to a part of the world that is completely different from what Sydneysiders have got, with our geothermal, mountain-biking and fishing,” Mr Lobb says.

HELiPRO Operations Manager Tim Barrow says the new service will boost both holidaymakers and the valuable conference and incentive (C&I) sector.

“The C&I market has been wanting to come to Rotorua but they haven’t been able to because of the lack of direct access. Now that barrier has been removed, we’ll see the rewards,” Mr Barrow says. “Rotorua has got great product and infrastructure...we are very excited.”

Wai Ora Group Chief Executive Bryan Hughes says the new service will be very good for the entire central North Island.

“It will be a very, very good route for Air New Zealand, giving them a competitive advantage that nobody else has,” Mr Hughes says. “The C&I market is going to open up. We have a great region already – this is the icing on the cake!”

ENDS

© Scoop Media