Media Release
27 September 2013
Wifi network a win for tourism
The tourism industry will benefit from Telecom’s decision to rapidly expand and commercialise its national wifi network,
the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.
More wifi hotspots will translate into happier visitors and enhance New Zealand’s international image as a ‘connected’
nation, explains TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden.
“We know that free wifi is very popular with travellers and improves their overall visitor experience. It enables them
to check their itineraries, research attractions, look up local events and load maps.
“Wifi also helps visitors stay connected to friends and work colleagues while they travel around the country. They can
immediately blog and brag about their holiday adventures, uploading videos and photos to social media sites such as
Facebook and Instagram, which in turn helps promote New Zealand.” Extending the wifi network to 2000 hotspots by
mid-2014 will enable visitors to access it quickly and easily whenever they want to.
Mr Snedden says improving the overall visitor experience is one of the key themes in Tourism 2025*, a framework to grow
the value of the $23 billion New Zealand tourism industry. Tourism 2025 will be launched at the 2013 TIA Summit in
Wellington on 1 October.
“We know that travellers value access to wifi so today’s announcement from Telecom is a timely enhancement to our
visitors’ experience ahead of the 2013-14 peak season,” Mr Snedden says.
*TIA is working with both the private sector and public sector to develop Tourism 2025, an aspirational plan that aims to unite and inspire the industry to adapt and succeed. It has a firm focus on growth
and offering a quality visitor experience. It will be launched at the 2013 TIA Summit, taking place in Wellington on 1
October.
Visit www.tianz.org.nz/main/NZ-Tourism-2025-Growth-Framework for more information about Tourism 2025.
Go to www.tianz.org.nz/main/2013_TIA_Summit for details about the 2013 TIA Summit, taking place at Te Papa, Wellington,
on 1 October.
ENDS