The Rental Vehicle Association NZ is a peak body that represents the interests of NZ rental vehicle operators who hire or lease passenger vehicles, EVs, hybrids, SUVs, minibuses, vans, coaches, trucks, campervans or motorcycles.

Hao Boutique Hotel Group is an independent operator of 3 boutique Hotels in Rotorua.

Prince’s Gate Hotel is a 51 room Heritage Hotel located in central Rotorua directly across the road from the Government Gardens and a 5 minute walk to et Street. It is one of the 5 oldest Hotels in New Zealand built purposely as a Hotel. Unique in the fact it was built in Waihi back in 1897 (New Central Hotel) and relocated to Rotorua in 1917. Opening in 1921 as Prince’s Gate.
https://www.princesgate.co.nz/

Black Swan Hotel is a 8 room Boutique Hotel located on Kawaha Point on the edge of Lake Rotorua. The Hotel is located on 1 acre of lake frontage with beautiful gardens and open spaces. The Hotel has a range of rooms in 3 categories with the Premium Rooms being the Lake Front – all 3 having floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the lake. The Hotel has a swimming pool and spa pools with Restaurant on the 1st floor looking out across the lake towards Mount Tarawera and the city.
https://www.blackswanhotel.co.nz/

Hana Lodge opened in Dec 2023 is a 12 room luxury Lodge located on 15 acres of farmland in Hamurana on the North Western shores on Lake Rotorua. 15 minutes drive to all the main tourist attractions – Hana Lodge is the idea escape to a country retreat. The Lodge has a Lounge Bar on the ground floor and Restaurant with large expansive terrace looking out towards the lake. The Lodge also has a pool with Sauna and Spa Pools.
https://www.hanalodge.co.nz/

Auckland & Beyond Tours is a family-owned & operated tour company based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Xmas Symposium 2023 – International Tourism Forecasts and Industry Update

Over 280 international tourism operators have descended on Auckland to attend the annual Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s Xmas Symposium.

Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Lynda Keene said, “The annual Symposium this year will provide updated International Arrival Forecasts 2023-2025 and share insights on key issues affecting New Zealand’s international tourism recovery and operating environment.

As at YE 30 September 2023, international arrivals saw an annual return of 71% compared to the same 12-month period in 2019. This was encouraging and pitched 5% higher than what we were forecasting in June this year. A key driver of the additional increase was due to the FIFA Women’s World Cup event.

Factoring in the September arrival trends, we are forecasting by YE September 2024 New Zealand will see a return of 87% pre-covid arrivals and we anticipate receiving 3.9million arrivals by September 2023 back to pre-pandemic levels. TECNZ provides forecasts on 30 countries.

The current 23-24 season is tracking nicely. We won’t know till February 2024 when the October and November 2023 arrival statistics are released how the season performs. In saying that, indicators from operators suggest it will be a good season and arrivals will track towards the new forecast figures.

We’ll continue to see a strong recovery from Australia and North American markets this summer. Germany and European markets are still a little soft. The UK market has seen a steady return. Asian markets are just beginning to gain some traction and it’s a little early to say how the China market will perform just yet.

The challenge for our recovery is to get a higher ratio of visitors returning as ‘holiday visitors’ compared to the very high segment of visiting friends and relatives VFR travellers. Having a shift from a higher percentage of holiday visitors compared to VFR will help also to see a stronger return in export receipts (visitor spend). We do expect this season we’ll see a swing back to more traditional travel trends now the first wave of revenge travel (22-23) has passed.”

What does the industry hope for? Lots of sunshine, few road closures and few weather disrupts. Last summer the industry was only just getting the season underway when weather conditions put a major handbrake on itineraries with lots of disruptions. We hope for calmer waters this season.

Some of the key issues industry will discuss include health and safety, Immigration NZ and slow visitor visa processing times, Department of Conservation concession processes and the recent change of government and what that might mean for the tourism industry.

Speakers this year providing updates include Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport, Tourism Industry Aotearoa and a Panel sharing sustainability initiatives from the inbound sector.

ENDS

Media contact:

Lynda Keene, phone: 027 66 44 836

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the world-renown Milford Sound. Every tour includes a 2-hour cruise that takes you past the iconic Mitre Peak. A relaxing informed way to get a small taste of Fiordland.

We avoid the rush with many short stops along journey to Milford. Our local experienced guides offer a full English commentary. A classic morning tea is stop is also offered where the guests get to enjoy a traditional thermette hot drink – a kiwi icon that we aim to keep alive.

YoungTEC Awarded Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Grant

Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (YoungTEC) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT) for the year 2023.  This grant is a testament to YoungTEC’s commitment to promoting professional development and leadership within the tourism industry.

Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand, expressed her enthusiasm for the grant, stating “Receiving this grant is a real show of faith in the work that YoungTEC is achieving with developing future leaders of the industry and we’re grateful to the Trust for their support. Absolutely delighted.”

The grant from TINZT will enable YoungTEC to bolster its efforts in two significant ways:

1. IceHouse Leadership Day Expansion

YoungTEC plans to expand its successful Icehouse Leadership Day initiative by hosting the first-ever event in the South Island, in addition to the current North Island Icehouse Leadership Day. This expansion will provide easier access to vital professional development opportunities for YoungTEC members based in the South Island.

2. 2023 YoungTEC Tourism Summit

The grant will also support the delivery of the highly anticipated 2023 YoungTEC Tourism Summit, scheduled to take place in Auckland in early December. The Summit will bring together industry leaders for a panel session, motivational speaker, a workshop and famil creating a dynamic and educational program for young professionals in the tourism sector. The summit will delve into stepping up into a leadership role, obstacles facing young leaders and tangible takeaways to overcome these.

Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, which supports the TINZT with its grant programme, said it was exciting to see the grant being used in such positive ways to foster tourism education.

“The trust is dedicated to education, either for people in the industry, or to promote and further people’s general understanding about the tourism industry,” she said.

“We are delighted that YoungTEC will use this grant to encourage young tourism entrepreneurs to test their ideas, to give young tourism leaders a chance to discuss their issues and be inspired by those who have walked that path ahead of them.”

Charlotte Brady, Chair of YoungTEC, expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s an honour to receive this grant, which will enable us to further the growth of young talent in the tourism industry.”

The Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust was established in 2007 for charitable purposes. The TINZT grant (by way of application) is open to tourism-related projects and initiatives large and small that meet one of more of our aims:

• Increase the knowledge of people working in New Zealand’s tourism industry
• Educate New Zealanders about our tourism industry
• Encourage and promote a tourism industry based on the sustainable use and preservation of New Zealand’s natural assets

The TINZT grants programme is open to associations, companies and individuals for projects or ideas that will further the Trust’s aims and criteria.

ENDS

About YoungTEC

YoungTEC is a sub association of the Tourism Export Council NZ. Membership is made up of young tourism professionals under the age of 40 years. YoungTEC membership offers regular networking events with other young professionals in the tourism industry, educational workshops, and a professional development programme as well as other key events and initiatives to provide support and upskilling opportunities for YoungTEC members.

For more information please contact:

Lynda Keene

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836

Download the release here.

ID New Zealand is New Zealand’s leading destination management company. We have been at the forefront of travel in New Zealand for more than 40 years. Founded in 1978, our reputation is built on over 4 decades of experience and local knowledge. You can rely on our expertise and destination knowledge covering all aspects of travel planning and passenger logistics, including:

• Cruise, (turn-around logistics, shore excursions, pre & post touring and overland touring)
• Incentives, Meetings & Events
• Bespoke Journeys (luxury travel for individuals & small groups)

ID New Zealand is New Zealand’s most experienced cruise ground handler offering total management of all aspects of passenger logistics. We provide large groups with customised cruise ship shore excursions, at the best value. We work with the majority of prestigious cruise lines and cater to all sizes of cruise ship. With a long proven track record IDNZ provides the most well-managed turnaround services and shore excursion operations in New Zealand. ID New Zealand’s experienced staff supply the expertise to ensure cost effectiveness and enjoyable, hassle-free service – not just for your guests, but also for the ship’s staff and crew.

ID New Zealand has a long history as expert developers of New Zealand Incentive programmes. From conception to completion, our innovative planning and professional programme management guarantees success every step of the way. ID New Zealand has collected an impressive array of corporate clients representing the leaders in their respective industries.

Bespoke Journeys focusses on high-end astute and discerning travellers who appreciate the exclusive access and insider knowledge we offer. We delight in developing the finest itineraries with customised experiences, personalities and accommodation to showcase the very best of New Zealand and leave lifelong impressions on your clients.

We understand and consistently deliver what it takes to meet, then exceed expectations.

Moments Travel is a boutique travel consultancy that caters exclusively for the discerning international travelers. We cater for the independent traveller to multi- generational families and friends. It is built on our personal philosophy that travel has the ability to transform people for the better, leaving a lasting impression that enriches their lives.

Our clients crave authenticity and a personal connection with each experience; they want to be enriched and transformed by each moment. With this, Moments Travel has taken a different approach from the traditional travel agency, focusing on the human connection and experience rather than generic travel products and itineraries.

Our key differentiator is the high level of personalized service we provide our clients during their stay, where every single detail matters.

TECNZ Conference 2024 dates announced

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)’s next annual conference will be held on 6,7 and 8 August 2024 in Invercargill.

The conference is hosted in a New Zealand region each year and offers 300 delegates the chance to hear the latest industry insights from compelling speakers and networking opportunities.

Chief Executive of The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Lynda Keene said “We are delighted to be taking 300 delegates from around New Zealand to the Great South region for our Annual Conference 6-9 August 2024. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Great South team to promote the region to New Zealand’s major international buyers along with its amazing visitor landscapes, attractions, and tourism and hospitality offering.”

The conference delegate profile features business leaders, owners, managers and international sales and marketing staff who work hard offshore to promote New Zealand its visitor proposition.

Delegates make up Inbound Tour Operators (who bring in 60% of international visitors to NZ), accommodation providers, activity and attraction operators, transport operators, businesses that provide tourism services to the industry and regional tourism organisations.

Mark Frood, GM Tourism and Events Great South says, “Following the announcement that Invercargill will be hosting the 2024 TECNZ Conference, delegates were excited about going to the region next year, many said they hadn’t been to Invercargill in over 30 years. Our people in Murihiku Southland cannot wait to warmly welcome the delegates to our place.”

This will be the first time that the TECNZ’s annual conference has been held in Invercargill.

2023 TECNZ and YoungTEC Award winners announced

Three of New Zealand’s top tourism businesses, one industry leader and two promising YoungTEC individuals have been recognised as the best in the business comprising of categories: ITO Operator of the Year, Allied Operator of the Year, Small Business Operator of the Year, Good Sort of the Year, YoungTEC Emerging Leader and YoungTEC Rising Star.

The prestigious and much sought after TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are nominated and voted by members. They recognise excellence in terms of quality, professional development for team, health and safety, sustainability, business systems and outstanding visitor experiences.

The YoungTEC Awards recognise outstanding efforts and contribution to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry. They are based on an application and interview process supported by Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand of which we are grateful for their support and involvement.

“Congratulations to our 2023 winners” says TECNZ Chief Executive, Lynda Keene. “I am delighted to have our annual Operator of the Year Awards return and with such a high calibre of nominations.” This is the first time since 2019 that the awards have been presented.

The 2023 TECNZ and YoungTEC Awards were presented by Chief Executive Lynda Keene and Scott Mehrtens during the TECNZ Conference at Distinction Hotel, Rotorua.

The winners of the 2023 TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards are:

• Inbound Operator of the Year Award – Southern World
• Allied Operator of the Year Award – Sudima Hotels
• Small Business Operator of the Year Award – Fiordland Jet
• Good Sort – Martin Langford, Ngāi Tahu Tourism

 The winners of the 2023 YoungTEC Awards are:

•  YoungTEC Rising Star – Georgia MacMillan, Tomohawk and Morgan Potter, Central Otago District Council (joint winners)
• YoungTEC Emerging Leader – Emma Canute, Wētā Workshop

ENDS

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.

For more information please contact:

Lynda Keene

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836