Welcome to the following new members and we look forward to working with you!

Auckland and Beyond Tours – https://aucklandandbeyond.co.nz/ Contact person: Peter Hamdy

Envy Experiences – https://www.envyexperiences.co.nz/ Contact person: Nigel Humphries

ID Tours New Zealand – www.hollyfordtrack.com Contact person: Debbie Summers

Click here to see the latest Chc Recovery Status Report December 2012 re accommodation, attractions and activities.

INSIDE TOURISM – Tuesday 27 November 2012 There were wizards, hobbits, elves, dwarves, orcs, ents  and even a ‘barrel’ at the Red Carpet Tours “Hobbit party” at the Amora Hotel on Monday 26 November so reports CEO of TECNZ Lesley Immink.  Joined by sister Lynda, daughter Vanessa and friend Lesley, the opportunity to party with ‘Hobbit and Tolkein fans’ was too good to miss. The fan base is incredible and they travelled from around the world to be a part of the Hobbit premiere celebrations and visit as many film sites around the country as possible.  One Ring.net and Red Carpet Tours hosted the party and sent invitations to the stars of the movie but unsure if any were available to attend. Fans screamed with delight when Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor and Phillipa Boyen made an entrance along with actors Elijah Wood (Frodo), Andy Serkis (Gollum) Jed Brophy (Nori), Stephen Hunter (Bombur) and William Kircher (Bifur). The stars were gracious and happy to shake hands and pose for photographs which was a huge thrill for all those who attended.

Re the value of “the Hobbit” to New Zealand, Lesley endorses the commitment that Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand have demonstrated in supporting the films and believes that the Hobbit potentially can be our most valuable marketing promotion for the next decade. The film trailers in cinemas around the world will be complimented with 100% Pure New Zealand advertisements. This combined with the social media phenomena will keep New Zealand in the minds of potential visitors.

Fans are spending up to $20,000 per person to be here and travel the length and breadth of the country. Speaking to as group of six ladies from Portugal, Mexico, Adelaide and Perth, their trip to New Zealand was their ‘bucket list’ tour and while their families thought they were ‘crazy’, they were bringing back their families in the future whether they liked it or not. The repeat future business cannot be under estimated and should the Hobbit continue be part of the global ‘must read’ for young children, then we will be well served.

Tourism Forecasts for 2012-2018. Click on the Forecasts predict solid growth but structural shift in tourism link (pg 2) to download the 50 page forecast report from MBIE – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

EXPORT MATTERS – INSIDE TOURISM Wed 14 November 2012

Is there a place for romance in business?  Absolutely, but with a few differences. Think of romance in a personal setting. Eyes meet across the room, a smile is exchanged and immediately your brain goes into overdrive wondering how you can arrange meeting or connecting without seeming too keen. You wait by the phone, check them out on Facebook and see who their friends are. If you are lucky the other person is doing exactly the same and before you know it, a relationship is formed.

In business the balance between the two parties is slightly different. One party (the seller or supplier) has access to information before the first ‘meet’ takes place so it is to their advantage to learn as much as possible about the other party (the buyer). The first meeting may be pre-organised, such as a trade workshop or consumer show, but often the seller is under-prepared and has higher expectations than the buyer, so could end up disappointed. The buyer is in the position of viewing several potential suppliers to have relationships with, so the seller initially needs to ‘woo’ the buyer. Once the buyer is hooked, both parties need to keep the business relationship working.  Regardless of what product or service you are selling, with all relationships, people are often investing in a ‘person they can trust’ ahead of the product.

Relationships that Tourism Export Council inbound tour operators have had with allied members have traditionally followed the process above. However, in recent years the balance has shifted with the supplier now in a position of selling their product direct via their own website, working with online travel agents (OTA’s) or having last minute FIT walk-ins. The relationship balance between inbound operator and supplier is more equal and both parties need to put the romance back into the relationship if they are to have a successful future.

The Tourism Export Council key networking events of the year are fantastic opportunities for these relationships to be kept alive and new ones forged. Having association memberships involves both sides of the relationship to keep working. The full advantages of being a member of the Tourism Export Council cannot be realised unless you participate in surveys, give feedback, ask questions and attend industry forums. Yes, sometimes this means further investment to sustain the relationship but the benefits are there if you choose to utilise all aspects of your association membership. We hope that it will certainly generate new business, but you also get to network with kindred industry professionals who are often facing the same challenges as yourself. And as if securing new business and learning from colleagues isn’t enough, you sustain lifelong professional friendships which in a country this size is very important.

So business and romance go hand in hand. Think about how you can keep the romance alive in your business relationships.

TIME Unlimited Tours (TIME = “To Integrate Maori Experiences”) is one of New Zealand’s most iconic tour operators and one of the country’s most-awarded tourism businesses. Founders & Directors Neill and Ceillhe Sperath as well as their growing team take their manuhiri (guests) on a wonderful journey through Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand). Their highly-personal small group and private tours in various top-end Mercedes vehicles and highly-qualified guides showcase their stunning home that is New Zealand.

Auckland Tours comprise their Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour, Auckland Highlights Luxury Tour incl Sky Tower Entry, Auckland West Coast Tour and Auckland Maori Tour, allowing their guests to discover the most spectacular spots in and around Auckland as New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city.

Private Luxury Tours explore both the Auckland region’s many highlights as well as world-famous destinations and many hidden gems including Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Taupo, The Bay of Islands, The Coromandel and many other wonderful locations throughout New Zealand. These can be One-Day, One-Way and Multi-Day Tours, all of which can be adjusted to their guests’ specific wishes.

TIME Unlimited Tours’ extensive and varied range of luxury tours has been developed since they founded their unique company 17 years ago. In 2015, while celebrating the company’s 10^th anniversary, they launched their new brand identity, incorporating a logo which continues to symbolize their deep connection to Maori culture. The new brand message “OUR NEW ZEALAND à YOUR WAY” highlights the emphasis of placing their guests’ requirements at the center of everything they do.

TIME Unlimited Tours leads the way in Ecotourism and is highly aware of its responsibilities in the tourism sector, following strict environmental policies and supporting many biodiversity & cultural initiatives. For its commitment and outstanding services, TIME Unlimited Tours has so far won 4 Global Tourism Awards including the National Geographic World Legacy Award, as well as many national awards. They are also Qualmark Gold certified. This acknowledges their excellence over many years in providing the very best luxury touring in Auckland and throughout New Zealand.

The first parts of the 450 metre steel structure that will be New Zealand’s first treetop walk have arrived on site.

The structure will be assembled over the next eight weeks with members of the industry able to view

construction from mid November by contacting Rusty Donnell at treetops1@treetopsnz.com.

Opening is on track for mid December 2012 with the retail pricing to be adults $38, seniors $30

under 15 $15, under 5 free and families (2 adults and upto 4 children) $100.

Wholesale rates upon agreement.

WALK THE TREETOPS

KAD Travel has been providing the best travel solutions and highest quality to meet the demands of international and domestic visitors wishing to book and buy tourism products and services with confidence. After experiencing exciting growth, KAD Travel has developed a wide range of local contacts and the necessary knowledge to arrange business activities for business delegations, and create any special-interest tour itinerary. Our friendly team of experienced and dedicated staff guarantee quality and professional service.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds welcomes you on a journey of discovery through Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important historic site, where in 1840 New Zealand’s founding document was signed: the Treaty of Waitangi.

Features of Waitangi Treaty Grounds include Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, the Treaty House, the carved Meeting House, a carving studio and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe.

Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi holds a stunning collection of stories and taonga (treasured objects) which bring to life the history of Waitangi. Discover world class interactive displays and enjoy the temporary gallery featuring touring exhibitions.

Te Rau Aroha was opened in 2020 and commemorates the service and sacrifice of Māori in the NZ Armed Forces, sharing stories of heroism, loss and restoration from the world wars and subsequent conflicts.

Visitors to Waitangi Treaty Grounds may purchase a Day Pass which includes a guided tour (50 minutes), a Māori cultural performance (30 minutes), entry to the two museums, the Treaty House, the carved Meeting House, and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe.

Hāngi and concert evenings are scheduled during the summer months – an intimate cultural experience not to be missed.

The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.

In the heart of Wellington, the West Plaza Hotel offers you 102 spacious and comfortable rooms, excellent facilities and City Dining at its best. Located in the central business district, just a few minutes walk to explore the waterfront, top bars and restaurants the city has to offer. Whether you are here for sightseeing or business, the West Plaza Hotel will give you the Wellington experience you deserve.