A new group has been established by Tourism Industry Aotearoa to explore the challenges and opportunities facing small
tourism businesses.
The Small Business Reference Group will support TIA in meeting the needs of small and micro tourism businesses.
It is estimated that up to 94% of tourism businesses have less than 20 staff. The majority of those businesses have 0-5
staff.
“The nature of issues faced by tourism businesses are often similar, regardless of size. But the solutions are not
always the same, particularly due to time and resource constraints of small business. These businesses also present a
window into regional differences and are an important connection with local communities,” TIA Advocacy and Engagement
Manager Steve Hanrahan says.
Like the wider tourism industry, many small operators have been severely impacted by the closure of New Zealand’s
borders, while others who are more focused on domestic tourism have been less affected.
Twelve small business owners representing a range of tourism sectors and a number of regions have agreed to take part in
the group, which will meet quarterly.
Prior to the group’s first meeting, they were asked to identify the three top issues or priorities for their businesses.
The most common were reopening New Zealand’s borders, cashflow/finance and short-term (summer) business planning.
“Appropriate responses and solutions for small businesses were debated and TIA will be progressing these over the coming
months,” Mr Hanrahan says.
Members of the group are:John Barrett, Kapiti Island Nature Tours, WellingtonDonna Brooke, Sunlover Retreat, CoromandelFergus Brown, Holiday Parks New ZealandRichard Burdon, Glen Dene Hunting & Fishing, Lake HaweaDavid Gatward-Ferguson, Nomad Safaris, QueenstownGrant Harnish, Salt Air, NorthlandJames Lazor, Mt Dobson Ski Area, TekapoAdele Marsden, New Zealand Educational Tours, TaurangaSteve & Kate Norris, Fiordland Trips and Tramps, FiordlandRichard Ussher, Cable Bay Adventure Park, NelsonTrevor Weir, Rotorua Duck Tours, RotoruaJacqui Wilkinson, Adventure Capital, Auckland