New Zealanders agree that tourism is good.

Monday 17 December 2018

Regional Tourism New Zealand cautions the sector against complacency as more New Zealanders agree that tourism is good.

Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ) is cautioning the tourism sector not to become complacent in its management of tourism growth even though more New Zealanders agree international tourism is good for New Zealand.

The Mood of the Nation research released today has shown that 95 percent of New Zealanders agree international tourism is good – up three points on last year’s result.

Charlie Ives, RTNZ Executive Officer said, “To have 95% of New Zealanders recognising tourism as a key contributor to the economy is a good result but the sector must not become complacent as it wouldn’t take much to shift public sentiment in the other direction.”

“Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) exist because regions see benefit in attracting visitors to them. For many years regional tourism promotion was all about growing visitor numbers and it’s understandable that some communities might have felt overwhelmed by visitors at times. That’s why RTOs are increasingly working in the destination management space to ensure their regions not only benefit from international visitors but locals continue to enjoy their communities and do not feel disadvantaged by tourism.”

“By 2025 it is forecast that international visitors will reach 5.0 million, up from the current 3.5 million. While the public’s current perception of tourism is good, increased visitor numbers could make it harder to maintain that level of acceptance.”

Of the 5.0 million it is expected that 1.4 million will be visiting friends and relatives (VFR), 350,000 will be business travellers and 2.8 million will be international holiday arrivals. The remaining 450,000 fall into the ‘other’ category.

“Holiday arrivals are often seen as putting the most strain on communities and these are expected to increase by 800,000 to 2.8 million by 2025. To ensure New Zealanders continue to see benefit in tourism it is important that they understand how the sector works – that visitors don’t all come at the same time, nor do they all flock to the same place and that infrastructure is being put in place to manage this tourism growth.”

“In other words, we need to put the numbers into perspective and make sure New Zealanders know that the sector is as invested in looking after the New Zealand as they are.”

“Recent initiatives like the Tiaki Promise which encourages all visitors to look after the country is a good example of the tourism industry working hard to educate our visitors, both international and domestic. It’s actually a good reminder to us all during the summer break that New Zealand is something to be looked after regardless of if you’re are a visitor or a lucky enough to live here.”

ENDS

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