TECNZ Trade Event 2025 opens for registrations

TECNZ is delighted to open registrations for New Zealand sellers (accommodation, product and experience suppliers and tourism service providers) and New Zealand buyers (Inbound Tour Operators, DMC’s) and their teams to participate in a comprehensive industry event on the 9th & 10th April 2025 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland.

Regional Tourism Organisations are also invited to showcase their destinations and new and established product suppliers are encouraged to exhibit to maximise their reach to all layers of the distribution channel.

Previously a version of this event has been a staple of the TECNZ Annual Conference programme. This refreshed and expanded version has been established to meet demand from the export tourism sector to inform, educate and inspire more travel designers and product designers that sell New Zealand offshore to attend.

Chief Executive Lynda Keene said, “We’re excited to launch the NZ Buyer and Seller event in 2025 and create more opportunities for tourism suppliers and RTOs to meet with ITO/DMC teams to promote their products and experiences at a one-stop event.”

The event offers a complimentary prescheduled appointment programme format that all levels of inbound itinerary planners are encouraged to register for with flight and accommodation support extended to TECNZ inbound tour operators based outside of Auckland.

Another first is that we will introduce an ‘Education Pass’ for YoungTEC members who may be in back-office or non-sales and marketing roles to experience a ‘B2B’ event in action.
Each of the two days will conclude with a networking evening.

A comprehensive prospectus for Buyers and Sellers along with registration links is now available online here. The Trade Event is open to both Members and Non-Members of TECNZ.

The OPERA – Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance – is a private ecoreserve dedicated to conservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and education.

Originally established as Penguin Place in 1985, The OPERA is one of New Zealand’s oldest private ecotourism operations, offering wildlife and native forest tours.

Guided tours at The OPERA take visitors beyond the ordinary and into an immersive experience with nature, where they may encounter native flora and fauna including the rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) and kororā (little penguins), New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, and a variety of shore and land birds. Each tour is led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the environment and committed to sharing their insights with visitors.

When birds are in care, guests have the opportunity to visit our onsite Penguin Rehabilitation Centre which cares for hundreds of sick, injured and malnourished hoiho, kororā, crested, and rock hopper penguins each year, getting them back into good health so they can return to the wild.

At the heart of The OPERA’s mission is a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Tour proceeds go directly towards conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of the Otago Peninsula and all the native species that live here.

The Headwaters Eco Lodge operates as a premium eco-tourism destination located in Glenorchy, New Zealand, offering a combination of luxurious accommodation and immersive natural experiences. As an eco-lodge committed to sustainability, we provide a range of activities and services that cater to both domestic and international travellers seeking authentic and environmentally conscious travel experiences.

Our core business activities include:

Eco-friendly Accommodation:
The lodge offers a variety of accommodation types, from premium chalets to eco-friendly quad rooms. Each accommodation option is designed to reflect our commitment to sustainable tourism, incorporating energy-efficient practices, recycled materials, and low-impact design principles. Our facilities promote a balance of luxury and sustainability, ensuring guests can enjoy high-quality comforts while reducing their ecological footprint.

Unique Guest Experiences:
We provide a wide array of curated experiences, from yoga classes in our Humboldt Room to guided walks in the surrounding pristine landscapes. Our partnership with local tourism operators allows guests to enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures such as jet boating, ziplining, horseback riding, and more. All of these activities are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Glenorchy region and promote a deep connection with the environment.

Culinary Excellence:
The lodge offers exceptional dining experiences, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainability. Guests can enjoy daily cooked and continental breakfasts, as well as gourmet three-course dinners prepared by our talented chefs. Pre-dinner drinks provide an opportunity for guests to connect and share their day’s adventures in a relaxed setting.

Sustainable Tourism and Conservation:
We are proud finalists in the NZ Tourism Awards for our environmental initiatives. Our operations integrate sustainable practices across all aspects of the business, from waste reduction and energy conservation to sourcing eco-friendly products. We actively educate guests on sustainable tourism practices and contribute to the preservation of the natural environment around Glenorchy.

Community Engagement and Local Partnerships:
The Headwaters Eco Lodge works closely with local tourism operators, businesses, and conservation groups to foster a collaborative approach to eco-tourism. Through these partnerships, we aim to support the local economy and provide guests with unique, authentic experiences that are deeply rooted in the culture and history of the region.
In summary, The Headwaters Eco Lodge is dedicated to offering exceptional, eco-friendly accommodations and experiences while promoting sustainability and community engagement. Our mission is to provide guests with unforgettable adventures that are respectful of the natural environment and contribute to the conservation of New Zealand’s landscapes.

Canterbury Trails offers a variety of small-group and private tours, catering to all interests and activity levels. Whether you prefer a scenic day trip or an immersive multi-day exploration, we have something for everyone. Our experienced local guides are the heart of our company. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing the hidden gems and captivating stories of the South Island.

Our fleet of fast, comfortable sailing catamarans offer plenty of room to relax on spacious trampoline decks. Our boats are safe, stable and perfect for guests of any age. The most eco-friendly way to get up close to Cathedral Cove. Soak up the spectacular scenery. Relax onboard or choose to swim or snorkel with the abundant sea life. Toilet facilities onboard.

Increase in IVL impact on future visitation

“We are disappointed to learn the value of the IVL fee is increasing from $35 to $100 (185% increase) and very concerned the increase will come into effect from the 1 October 2024. TECNZ’s submission on the IVL recommended Government did not rush their decision to implement an increased IVL fee without careful consideration of the entire visitor economy, booking trends and research into price sensitivity from source markets because the recovery of returning visitors had stalled.

We said if there was to be an increase in the fee the timing of implementing an increase must be carefully considered on the impact with regards to Inbounds selling itineraries 1-2 years in advance. We requested any increase of the fee be implemented from 1 October 2025. This would allow offshore travel trade to price accordingly for their clients and maintain goodwill with major offshore travel sellers. Visitor fees (and visa processing times) do influence visitors to press go or no go to visit New Zealand. Time was needed for prospective visitors to consider the value proposition of coming to New Zealand.

Another area of concern is about how the collected hypothecated IVL fees will be distributed in the future. This is still unknown. TECNZ supports IVL funds be distributed across the Department of Conservation to support visitor infrastructure and services and also to local government to support visitor infrastructure developments (as it has been in the past). Visitors appreciate knowing where their visitor levy is being spent to help improve conservation and visitor services. We’d be concerned if the IVL pool of funds were to be allocated to a raft of different projects that were not directly related to improved visitor services.

Has New Zealand reached a tipping point with recent increased visitor visa fees, border and customs fees, and the IVL? We think yes and suspect the recovery will stall over the next 1-2 years. i.e. limited growth in the 24-25 and 25-26 seasons. TECNZ has downgraded its international arrival forecasts of reaching pre-Covid international arrivals from YE May 2025 to YE May 2026. There is no doubt government decisions are making it harder for offshore travel agents and tour wholesalers to recommend New Zealand to their clients. We mustn’t become complacent that because we think New Zealand is a great place to visit to presume every prospective visitor feels the same way. There’s a whole world out there that offers lots of affordable options.

New Zealand needs to look at implementing initiatives that are enablers of international growth, not initiatives or decisions that may stifle growth (handbrake).

Time will tell what the impact will be.”

The Exquisite Group is a luxury inbound tour operator specialising in unique and exclusive travel experiences that showcase New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
Drawing on our expertise, we design bespoke programs that feature luxurious accommodations, exceptional golfing, unforgettable wilderness adventures, and pristine boating. Complemented by world-class food and wine, we ensure a personalised and truly exquisite adventure.

Xiaoxiong Trip Ltd, with offices in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown, focuses on high-end customized New Zealand travel experiences. We have a professional team that excels in travel consultation and completion of touring solutions.

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)’s shares the industry’s concern that the recently announced increase in visitor visa fees by Immigration NZ could become a handbrake for New Zealand’s international tourism recovery.

Chief Executive Lynda Keene said, “The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand was asked for feedback on the proposed increase in fees earlier this year. TECNZ’s submission requested Immigration NZ review the increase in fees and levies and reduce by 50%. We appreciate the proposed increase for group tour fees has been reduced. However, the standard visitor visa fee and working holiday visa fee increases might just be high enough to take New Zealand off the must-visit destination list.

We expressed our concern alongside Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) that now was not the right time to increase visitor visa fees whilst the tourism recovery was still in progress. The inbound sector and airlines price tickets and itineraries one to two years in advance, so an appropriate ‘runway’ is needed for prospective visitors to have all the relevant information to base their decision upon to pay a deposit to travel to New Zealand, or not.

Whilst appreciating some cost recovery is required for visa services, the timing for full cost recovery is counterproductive in offshore markets to drive growth. Our preference would have been for increases to be implemented on 1 October 2025, not this year. The increase in visitor visa fees is going to impact the high growth market, India, and the recovery of New Zealand’s second-largest visitor market, China. Both markets can be major influencers in helping our international tourism recovery, but there is price sensitivity in the markets and the increase in fees might work against New Zealand.

TECNZ’s April 2024 international arrival forecasts 2024-2026 predicted that by YE March 2025 pre-Covid arrivals by YE March 2025 would be 88% and by YE March 2026 we would be back to 100% of pre-Covid arrivals.
Our latest forecast (August 2024) has taken into consideration a range of new assumptions including the lower-than-expected airline bookings reflecting a softening in many markets. Although the US, Australia, India and Canada have been star performers over the past two seasons, we are also seeing a bit of softening in those markets for the 24-25 season. In particular, the holiday segment is still sitting at 75% of pre-Covid arrivals so there is a lot more work to be done to push this higher.

We predict by YE May 2025 the recovery will be at 85%, by YE May 2026 we should be back to 96% of pre-Covid arrivals reaching a 100% recovery of arrivals by YE May 2027.

We’re aware the International Tourism Conservation & Visitor Levy (IVL) is under review. Given the mounting increases in border, customs and immigration visa fees all at the same time in 2024, we hope the Government will consider taking the IVL review off the table until we are back to 100% pre-Covid arrival numbers. If an increase is destined to occur, we advocate for the IVL increase to come into effect in 2025 or 2026.

New Zealand must not become complacent that just because we are here that visitors want to visit. We must provide an affordable and compelling proposition for visitors to tick New Zealand on their list of places to visit. We need to continue to work hard in a very competitive global marketplace for airlines to keep New Zealand on their schedules and price points do affect decisions for visitors to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ let’s go (or not).

ENDS

TECNZ Conference 2025 dates announced

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ)’s next annual conference will be held on 6^th & 7th August 2025 in the Bay of Islands at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort near Waitangi and Paihia.

The conference is hosted in a New Zealand region each year and offers 300 international tourism delegates the opportunity to hear the latest industry insights from compelling speakers and network.

Chief Executive of The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Lynda Keene said “We are delighted to be hosting 250 delegates from around New Zealand to the Bay of Islands for the 2025 Annual Conference. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team from Northland Inc to promote the region to New Zealand’s largest and most prominent tourism business who sell the destinations spectacular landscapes, visitor experiences and hospitality to international visitors.”

The conference delegate profile features industry sector business owners, managers and international sales and marketing representatives who work in our key visitor markets offshore to promote destination New Zealand and its visitor proposition in a highly competitive global environment.

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

Tania Burt, Head of Tourism and Communications Northland Inc says, “Te Tai Tokerau Northland looks forward to warmly welcoming delegates to the 2025 TECNZ Conference in the Bay of Islands. Northland is home to iconic destinations and undiscovered gems and has much to share with visitors to our region. We have world-class operators who are putting Northland in the international spotlight, so it is timely we can host our fellow TECNZ members and industry peers to share more of our region.”

ENDS