Tourism industry welcomes ‘Mondayisation’

The passing of the Mondayisation legislation in Parliament tonight marks a successful outcome for tourism operators around the country, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

“Two years ago, TIA travelled the country talking to more than 700 of our members about ideas that would help improve their businesses. They told us that providing a holiday on Monday when Waitangi Day and Anzac Day fall on a weekend would make a measureable difference,” says TIA Policy & Research Manager Simon Wallace.

“We already know that long weekends encourage people to travel and the benefits will flow on from tourism into other areas, such as retailers, petrol stations, bars and cafes.”

Mr Wallace says domestic tourism is worth $38 million a day ($13.8 billion a year) to New Zealand) and is the lifeblood of many tourism operations.

“We recognise that some employers may be disadvantaged by this Bill with extra wage costs, but these are likely to be minimal given the situation happens only two in every seven years. Businesses have also told us that more long weekends will improve worker productivity, which has benefits for the whole country.”

The commemoration of Waitangi Day and Anzac Day will still take place on 6 February and 25 April because of the significance these dates have for all New Zealanders. Granting a holiday on Monday when they fall on a weekend will enhance their status and leave people free to reflect on their significance.

The first holiday that will be affected by the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act is Anzac Day 2015, Mr Wallace says.

“It is particularly appropriate to recognise Anzac Day with an extra holiday in 2015, as that marks the centenary of the battle at Gallipoli. Like Australia, we will now take extra time to commemorate that historic event and New Zealanders will be able to spend time with family and friends.”

Holiday Parks Association (HAPNZ) Chief Executive Fergus Brown says his members fully support Mondayisation.

Many holiday parks report substantial boosts in patronage over long weekends. For example, in 2012, when Waitangi Day fell on a Monday, Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park in the Coromandel recorded six times more visitors over the weekend than it did for the corresponding time in 2011 when Waitangi Day fell on a Sunday.

“HAPNZ would like to congratulate and thank the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) for all its efforts to promote this new legislation. It’s an excellent example of TIA working for the whole of the tourism industry, including the important holiday park sector,” Mr Brown says.

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