Tourism Export Council of New Zealand | Travel industry news | Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

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Six Grand Chancellor Hotels Receive TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence

TripAdvisor has awarded the reputable Certificate of Excellence to six hotels within the Grand Chancellor Hotels Group across Australia and New Zealand this week. Recognising consistent and highly rated guest stays, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least four out of five and have a minimum number of reviews over a 12-month period to qualify.

Committed to providing guests and delegates with memorable experiences, the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor in Wellington received the accolade in the midst of a multimillion-dollar refurbishment of 200 rooms and suites. Guests can experience the new accommodation rooms from July 2019 and the hotel has also recently modernised Whitby’s Restaurant and replaced all elevators.

In Queensland, Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville and Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane both received the recognition for consecutive years. Alongside modern accommodation rooms, both hotel’s feature rooftop pools with stunning views, notable restaurants and premium conference facilities. In Brisbane, the leading-edge Conference Centre has eleven spaces and Townsville’s six meeting rooms all feature natural light, plus a rooftop venue.
South Australian hospitality is integrated into the guest experience at Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide and The Chancellor on Currie, with both hotels recognised by TripAdvisor. Accommodation rooms have been modernised at the Hotel Grand Chancellor and guests can enjoy local cuisine at the restaurant and conference facilities. Offering a boutique experience, the second Adelaide hotel on Currie Street encapsulates Neo-Georgian architecture and style, located on the doorstep of the vibrant Gilbert Place.

Regarded as a standout hotel in Tasmania, the waterfront location, exceptional facilities and welcoming service have once again earned Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart the Hall of Fame status. Receiving TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for more than five consecutive years, the hotel is centrally located and hosts distinguished conference and events at their Convention Centre.

Grand Chancellor Hotels are located throughout Australia and New Zealand in key destinations. The ten properties present quality accommodation with modern facilities, including five hotels with event venues suitable for over 400 delegates. For more information please visit grandchancellorhotels.com

Media Contact Jessica Taylor | Marketing & Communications Manager Grand Chancellor Hotels, Australia and New Zealand 021 190 7368 marketing@ghi-hotels.com

SCENIC HOTEL GROUP SHARES STORY OF GROWTH FOR 2019

Christchurch, May 2019. New Zealand owned and operated Scenic Hotel Group

returns to TRENZ 2019 with a strong proposition for international buyers. Director of International Sales and Brand Development, Steve Shearer says “Scenic Hotel Group’s 37-year story continues to go from strength to strength, and there is plenty to update 2019 TRENZ delegates on.”

Developments are well underway across Scenic Hotel Group’s two major brands; Scenic Hotels, Resorts and Suites and Heartland Hotels. The Group kicked off the year by securing the management contract on the 52-room Ambassador Motor Inn, in Hamilton which was rebranded in early February to Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton.

Shearer points to Hamilton and the wider Waikato region as being areas of significant growth for New Zealand’s business and leisure markets both domestically and internationally. The Waikato potential was recognised late last year with the awarding of ‘Best Domestic Tourism Performance’ at the Regional Tourism Awards.

Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton carries a Silver Qualmark rating and is generously set across multiple levels and includes a swimming pool, ample onsite parking, and a range of dining options within the near vicinity. The hotel is also strategically located for visitors wishing to attend local events and attractions.

Within the Scenic Hotel Group, plans are also well underway for significant developments within the existing portfolio. This has been led by flagship property, Scenic Hotel Auckland which is midway through a transformation that will see it emerge in early 2020 with a much-elevated position. Shearer says “Early guest feedback has been exceptional on the refurbished rooms with guests enjoying the new in-room features and designer colour palette which brings together the colours of New Zealand while still retaining the legacy of this iconic heritage building that is a showcase of New Zealand’s art deco design period.”

With its proximity to the main entertainment centre of Auckland, Scenic Hotel Auckland aims to amplify its location with an up-weighted food and beverage offering, revitalised public spaces and technology enhancements to deliver a superior guest experience in one of Auckland’s most popular hotels.

In preparation for some exciting, large scale redevelopments in the lobby and dining areas, the following operational closures will take place to enable these works to take place in a timely manner that will cause the least amount of disruption to guest services:

MLC Café & Bar – full outlet closure

Dates: Monday 29th July 2019 – Monday 27th January 2020 (183 calendar days/ 6 months).

During this time, there will be no food & beverage outlet available onsite. Information will be available for hotel guests of hours & location of nearby F&B options.

Scenic Hotel Auckland – full hotel closure

Dates: Thursday 15th August 2019 – Wednesday 11th September 2019 (27 calendar days). During this period, the entire hotel will be closed.

Across the group, community and social developments also feature strongly and add a unique opportunity for guests to engage and interact with New Zealand conservation and community initiatives. This includes the well established ‘Kiwis for Kiwis’ scheme by Scenic Hotel Group’s five-star eco-luxe West Coast property, Te Waonui Forest Retreat as well as numerous other local community initiatives. Overall, the Group has also embraced supporting ‘Soap Aid’, a Melbourne based charity that involved a soap recycling programme putting better health in the hands of those in need around the world.

Social and environmental initiatives are an integral part of the uniquely New Zealand Scenic story which is one of family and friends where people from around the world are welcomed to share in the special places that the Scenic Hotel Group calls home.

##END##

www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz

Air Chathams and INFLITE charters working together

Air Chathams is stepping up its services significantly this year while still retaining its reputation as the friendly, people-first airline that’s been operating in New Zealand and the Pacific for over 30 years. In streamlining the charter sales processes, INFLITE Charters has been appointed the General Sales Agent (GSA) for all new charter business in New Zealand for the Chatham Islands founded airline.

INFLITE Charters is New Zealand’s largest private air travel and aviation solutions company, formed in 2012 by the amalgamation of three long standing aviation companies; Helilink, Skylink and Air National. They excel in the provision of private jet, turbo prob and helicopter charter, VIP transfer services, exclusive scenic flight packages, customised events, commercial air lifting and specialist freight.

Operating throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, INFLITE now has the facility to use Air Chathams’ Metroliner, Saab, Convair and the new ATR 72 for charter work exclusively within New Zealand. Current scheduled passenger flights will naturally be prioritised during operations and existing charter agreements will remain in place as a direct relationship with Air Chathams.

“We look forward to further growing our charter capacity with INFLITE Charters, especially knowing their reputation and dedication to a high level of customer service. It’s great to take up the opportunity to work together as both companies have extensive experience throughout New Zealand and are flexible enough to meet the demands of the sector in terms of location, size and aircraft capability,“ said Duane Emeny, General Manager of Air Chathams.

Paul Aston, Charter Sales Manager of INFLITE Charters agrees “Premium service delivery is core to our business as is the reliability and experience in corporate charters that Air Chathams brings to the sector. The fact Air Chathams operations span the length and breadth of the country is a great fit for us. We are excited to expand our charter offering for the benefit of our customers, INFLITE and Air Chathams.”

Ends.

For more information, please contact:

Lyn Cheyne,

Sales and Marketing Manager

AIR CHATHAMS

T: 0800 580127

E: marketing@airchathams.co.nz

W: www.airchathams.co.nz

Thursday 16 May 2019
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)

New Zealand Tourism Strategy in the Nick of Time

The New Zealand Tourism Strategy has been released just in the nick of time according to tourism exporters.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis today released Aotearoa-New Zealand Government Tourism Strategy which he says focuses on maximising the benefits of tourism growth, while managing and mitigating the risks.

Included among its initiatives are plans to address the peaks and troughs of the sector by smoothing seasonal fluctuations and extending the high season and attracting visitors to lesser known areas.

Tourism Export Council (TECNZ) Chief Executive Judy Chen says with tourism numbers increasing over 40% in the last five years it was time for the government to have a relook at the industry and do some planning for the future.

“For some time now, our members have been calling for New Zealand’s tourism policy settings to be addressed as they are no longer fit for purpose for the environment we now operate in.

Our industry has grown exponentially in the past five years, and while that is great news for the New Zealand economy, it has created some obvious pressure points.

We are delighted that the Government has stepped up its resource of the tourism industry and already started to address pressing issues such as infrastructural requirements through the Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

The Provincial Growth Fund has also helped to boost tourism offerings in regions which could benefit from more tourism.”

But Ms Chen says it is also important to ease the pressure points to ensure New Zealand benefits from sustainable tourism growth which is spread across the country.

‘The ‘Mood of the Nation’ research that was released last week showed that while New Zealanders are mostly positive about the tourism industry, concern has grown in key destinations such as Queenstown.

New Zealanders are one of our industry’s greatest assets as we are known as great hosts. As the industry grows, we must manage the flow of visitors across the country and the seasons to ensure our local population is not detrimentally affected by additional visitors.

Tourism is New Zealand’s largest export industry contributing 21% of foreign exchange earnings. This strategy sets out the framework and direction for the next chapter in New Zealand’s tourism story and will help ensure we preserve and grow our reputation as a quality tourism destination.’

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:

Judy Chen

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836

Lighting Up Road GURU

Road GURU is one of only 10 enterprises selected to participate in Lightning Lab’s Tourism programme, beating off competition from 66 other applicants.

The business accelerator programme challenges participants during an extremely structured, high-intensity venture development programme running for three months, from May – August.

Road GURU Director, Mitchell McLaughlin, identified that Lightning Lab Tourism would provide a challenging environment and framework to help catapult Road GURU to the next level.

“They surround you with business experts and resources to accelerate business growth, based on your vision,” comments Mitchell. “Essentially, they inject business energy into the enterprise to help you achieve your vision in a shorter timeframe.”

Road GURU applied under the category theme of Achieving Value over Volume, which focuses on striving for high-value visitors, thus increasing their economic contribution to the New Zealand economy.

“Growing our share of the visitor segment that value authentic, quality tourism experiences is important, not only to our business, but it is also vital for the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. The industry is making great strides in implementing a range of sustainability initiatives but it is something we all need to keep working on,” adds Mitchell.

The application process involved a written document which was complemented by a rigorous panel interview with eight selectors.

Road GURU was eager to be involved and pleased to see such a robust programme focused on, and supported by, the tourism industry.

When the announcement was made at TRENZ today, Mitchell commented, “It is a great boost during the middle of such an important tourism event and really added to the momentum after our recent successful product partnership with GO Rentals, which we are showcasing at TRENZ”.

The programme is hosted by Christchurch International Airport and supported by Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Callaghan Innovation, ChristchurchNZ and global blockchain experts Centrality. ENDS

For Further Information and Comment

Mitchell McLaughlin, Phone: +64 3 595 5307 or Mobile +64 22 162 6739

www.roadguru.nz

Tourism industry launches careers package to attract New Zealanders

A three-year package of initiatives designed to attract New Zealanders to tourism careers has been launched today at TRENZ 2019.

Building on the range of workforce development activities already underway across the industry, the package is designed to:

 improve knowledge and perceptions of tourism and tourism careers
 make it easier for young people to experience tourism careers through activities like industry open days and placement programmes
 ensure those entering tourism employment have a positive experience so they stay in the industry. This will include activities like employer support and mentoring programmes.

The package aims to help attract the estimated 40,000 new employees needed to support tourism growth over the next five years.

It will complement and expand on the work already being done through other programmes to attract and retain talent such as YoungTEC professional development programme and the Go With Tourism programme launched earlier this year by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). Focused on the Auckland region, this game-changing new job platform at www.gowithtourism.co.nz aims to match young job-seekers with quality employers within the tourism industry. It also provides information about the variety of roles available in tourism.

In 2018, TIA partnered with ATEED to undertake perceptions research to better understand what young Kiwis think about working in tourism and who influences their thinking.

This research offered new insights for industry employers and educators so they can attract more young people and effectively retain and develop them into sustainable career pathways. It found that parents and teachers are enormously influential in career choice. Tourism jobs are also perceived as having average pay and being short-term.
“The perceptions research provided the basis for our business case. After extensive consultation with industry members around the country, we are excited to launch this package of eight initiatives today,” TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says.

The complete package is estimated to cost $1.9 million and TIA is currently seeking funding from government and other sources.

TOURISM INDUSTRY AOTEAROA
Inspire House, 125 Featherston St, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
P +64 4 499 0104 www.tia.org.nz E info@tia.org.nz
“This package has the potential to make a real difference to our industry’s future. Other industries are well advanced in programmes to attract talent and tourism can’t afford to be left behind. By taking a coordinated approach, we can become more competitive in attracting the talent we need to continue offering world-class visitor experiences,” Mr Roberts says.

To read Careers in Tourism: A Business Case, go to https://tia.org.nz/assets/c988157abd/Careers-in-Tourism-Business-Case-FINAL-MAY-2019.pdf

About TRENZ 2019 www.trenz.co.nz

TRENZ brings together about 300 New Zealand tourism operators (sellers) with targeted international travel and tourism buyers and media from New Zealand’s key established and emerging tourism markets. The event directly helps to grow New Zealand’s $39.1 billion tourism industry. Hosted in Rotorua, TRENZ 2019 is being held at Energy Events Centre, Rotorua, 13-16 May. Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) manages TRENZ on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust. TRENZ is supported by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Destination Rotorua, Auckland Airport, AccorHotels, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, QT/Rydges New Zealand, Sudima Hotels and Resorts, Christchurch International Airport, The Great Journeys of New Zealand, and Tranzit Group.

For more information, please contact:
Nic Still
Communications Advisor
027 215 6124
nic.still@tia.org.nz

Wednesday 15 May 2019
Media Release from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

Our Largest Export Industry Is a Serious Career Option

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand says more needs to be done to encourage young people to consider a long-term career in tourism.

Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Judy Chen has welcomed the announcement of a careers package to attract 40,000 new employees in the next five years.

Today, Tourism Industry Aoteoroa (TIA) announced a three-year package of initiatives designed to attract New Zealanders to careers in the tourism industry, where TECNZ is part of the working group contributing to this work.

TECNZ Chief Executive Judy Chen says TECNZ has been working for some time to encourage careers in tourism and she is pleased to see further work being done to attract and retain people in the tourism industry.

‘’For too long tourism has been considered a temporary option until something else comes along.

Our industry is not only New Zealand’s largest export earner, but it is continuing to grow at a rapid pace and it is essential to our reputation as a visitor destination that we attract and keep new talent.

Because of this need, we established ‘YoungTEC’ some years ago as a subsidiary of TECNZ to encourage networking within young tourism professionals and to develop new leaders in our industry.

We now have a professional development programme, an annual Summit, and a Leadership Day course aimed at supporting young tourism professionals in their career path.

We also offer YoungTEC members regular networking events and a partnership programme with the New Zealand School of Tourism where students get a glimpse of what it is like to work in the tourism industry through a ‘speed-dating‘ initiative.’’

The new package announced by TIA today is designed to: improve knowledge and perceptions of tourism and tourism careers, make it easier for young people to experience tourism careers through activities like industry open days and placement programmes and ensure those entering tourism employment have a positive experience so they stay in the industry.

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

For more information please contact:

Judy Chen

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836