Tourism 2025 – Domestic tourism

Tourism 2025 – Domestic tourism

“Tourism 2025 is an ambitious, aspirational vision of how tourism can grow significantly in the next decade as a major driver of economic growth throughout all parts of New Zealand”, said David Perks, Chair of Regional Tourism Organisations New Zealand (RTONZ).

RTONZ contributed to the development of Tourism 2025 by providing insights into domestic tourism,which has been increasing steadily in New Zealand over a considerable period of time. Today it is worth almost $14 billion dollars annually to the tourism industry and makes up 59% of total tourism earnings.

“Domestic tourism delivers many benefits to the New Zealand economy and communities across our country. The expenditure New Zealanders make on domestic travel is retained within the New Zealand economy and buffers businesses and communities from the vagaries of the global economy.”

Domestic visitors spend $39 million per day, making a substantial contribution to the industry’s overall financial resilience, sustainability and functionality.

“Many tourism businesses would not survive if it were not for the year round patronage of domestic visitors,” said Mr Perks. Kiwis contribute more visitor nights and higher expenditure than international visitors, and help address seasonality and regional dispersal challenges.

The Tourism 2025 project has played a part in moving the industry mind-set from ‘survival in tough times’ to “growing value”.

The project has helped us better understand the rapid, enormous changes that are occurring within tourism, both domestically and internationally, and the opportunities these present for our industry.

Domestic tourism is vital to the health of the industry. One of the keys to industry growth, and regional economic well-being, is unlocking the opportunities that Tourism 2025, and domestic travel can bring to the table.

Tourism 2025 captures the distinctive flavour of New Zealand tourism, and the five themes chosen to build the framework around are tried and tested and will stand the test of time through to 2025.

The framework sets out pathways for success by identifying opportunities that the industry can grasp, take ownership of, and drive forward.

“Tourism industry ownership and commitment to the framework is vital to success, and regional economic growth,” said Mr Perks.

“Regional Tourism Organisations will I am sure do their bit to ensure that success”.

ENDS

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