Budget 2022: Unspent tourism funds for $54 million ‘innovation programme’

19 May 2022 – NZ Herald 

”We have to focus on the most practical investment to ensure there is a quality international tourism offering in the future. If some businesses can’t get support from the latest fund, New Zealand’s global reputation will continue to be at risk,” said Keene. Read here.

Tourism industry wants restrictions at the border lifted

26 March 2022 – Newstalk ZB

Tourism Export Council chief executive, Lynda Keene, says many countries have opened up, including Australia, the UK, Canada and Singapore, with no Covid-19 testing requirements. Listen here.

Inbound trade heaves ‘enormous sigh of relief’

18 March 2022 – TravelMemo

TEC chief executive Lynda Keene says it is heartening that the Prime Minister has acknowledged how important international tourism is to New Zealand’s economy (and identity) Read here.

IWD2020: TECNZ CEO Lynda Keene on leadership and being bold

11 March 2022 – Tourism Ticker

“Encourage women to be bold. Don’t be afraid to have a different opinion to the rest of the people around the table and follow your intuition.  He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge, it is communication.” Read here.

Perspectives: TECNZ’s new CEO Lynda Keene on Covid-19’s impact on ITOs

25 February 2022 – Tourism Ticker

Being a resilient industry we commend businesses that are quickly adapting or pivoting their offering to try and minimize losses. From a business perspective, for many operators, the financial year is going to be a game of two halves. The good and the ugly. Read here.

End of DOC waiver will push operators towards closure – National’s Mooney

15 November 2021 – Tourism Ticker

Keene added that “every saving that businesses can have with compliance costs will help businesses that are struggling with their own survivability”. Read here.

Accommodation sector ‘surprised’ and ‘perplexed’ by exclusion from Covid-19 vaccine mandate

3 November 2021 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand chief executive Lynda Keene said it supported mandatory vaccination for the accommodation sector and wider tourism industry. Read here.

Inbounders say clients perplexed – time to reset date to rejoining world

2 November 2021 – TravelMemo

‘They are perplexed. Visitors can now book travel to Australia (and most places around the world) and yet New Zealand remains closed,’ says TECNZ chief executive Lynda Keene. Read here.

Inbounders see something to work with 

29 October 2021 – TravelMemo

‘We support the government’s priority on helping New Zealanders to return to NZ and support a self-isolation regime
for those that can,’ says chief executive Lynda Keene. Read here.

Covid-19 Delta outbreak: What MIQ changes mean for airlines and tourism

28 October 2021 – Herald

Chief executive Lynda Keene said the council hoped over the next few weeks this will shift from not only Kiwis but include international visitor arrivals. Read here.

Faster action, more detail needed on border reopening

29 October 2021 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said the announcement was a positive step towards reopening the border, but they wanted to see more detail around plans and settings. Read here.

Covid-19 Delta outbreak: Auckland tourism employers ‘worried senseless’

20 October 2021 – The Herald

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene expects very clear answers for her members, critical to the rebuild of the sector and who have a long booking window. Read here.

Workshop for young leaders

15 October 2021 – TravelMemo

YoungTEC (Tourism Export Council) aims to continue to tackle the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic by providing an opportunity for YoungTEC leaders. Read here.

Overseas travel agents not confident selling NZ as holiday destination

9 October 2021 – One News

TECNZ’s chief executive, Lynda Keene, said demand to travel to New Zealand is high but the uncertainty over our border dates means the tourism dollars are going elsewhere. Watch here

Tourism Export Council set Government a deadline for plan to reopen borders

8 October 2021 – Newstalk ZB

Lynda Keene interview saying NZ will miss out on two years of travel if not opening soon. Read here

International’s partners frustrated with New Zealand’s lack of plan

30 September  2021 – Inside Tourism 

TECNZ recently conducted an ITO survey to seek insights from their international commercial partners.  Read here

The world is reconnecting – NZ must too

29 September  2021 – Tourism Ticker 

We cannot understate the seriousness that a delay in announcing a border reopening date will have on New Zealand’s global reputation.  Read here

TECNZ to Nash: $115m needed to help tourism survive summer

7 September  2021 – Tourism Ticker 

Keene said the situation was “very, very serious” and different from the 2020 lockdown when businesses had some cash reserves after a shortened but otherwise good summer season.  Read here

TECNZ pushes out visitor recovery to 2025

26 July  2021 – Tourism Ticker 

The full recovery of annual visitor numbers into New Zealand will take a year longer than previously expected, according to the latest forecast from Tourism Export Council of New Zealand. Read here.

TECNZ’s new tourism trade expo sells out quick

 18 May 2021 – TravelMemo

‘Current conference registrations (216) are exceeding our expectations and registrations for the main conference are
still open. Read here.

Budget 2021: Hotels’ plea to Government

 17 May 2021 – NZ Herald 

”It reflects how much the industry knows; ITOs are the key to a safe and well-managed return of international visitors from long-haul markets, and how important they are in the tourism eco-system.” Read here.

$200m tourism recovery package gives certainty, operators say

 7 May 2021 – NZ Herald 

Tourism export council chief executive Lynda Keene also welcomed the announcement. Read here.

Lifeline: Tourism groups welcome funding announcement from minister Stuart Nash

 6 May 2021 – NZ Herald 

Lynda Keene, chief executive of the Tourism Export Council, which represents inbound tourism operators (ITOs), said her group was “absolutely delighted” with the Nash announcement. Read here.

$200m tourism package targets five South Island regions and future ‘recovery and reset’

 4 May 2021 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene welcomed the move.  “I think the minister has smashed it out of the park with his support for the tourism industry.  Read here.

TEC to hold B2B expo

 4 May 2021 – Tourism Ticker

The TECNZ conference will this year include a tourism trade expo for the first time.  Read here.

Registration opens for 2021 TECNZ conference

 28 April 2021 – Tourism Ticker

A new element called the Tourism Trade Expo will feature at this year’s event.  Read here.

Industry rapt at imminent launch of trans-Tasman bubble

7 April 2021 – Tourism Ticker

“I’m sure there is a great sense of relief across the tourism industry now that we have some certainty around a date,” Keene said. Read here.

YoungTEC appointments

9 March 2021 – Travel Memo 

Zac Watson, Auckland Unlimited has been reappointed chair and Kenny  Wynter, ZipTrek Ecotours appointed
vice chair of the Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (YoungTEC). Read here.

YoungTEC chair, vice chair appointed

8 March 2021 – Tourism Ticker

Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand has reappointed Auckland Unlimited’s Zac Watson its board chair.  YoungTEC also appointed  ZipTrek Ecotours’ Kenny Wynter its vice chair.  Read here.

Inbounders to meet with Minister – ‘More aspirational message needed’

2 March 2021 – TravelMemo

Chief executive Lynda Keene says other subjects to be addressed include a border opening, and a post-border role to drive the rebuild of the country’s international sector.  Read here.

Exploring New Zealand’s deep south

18 February 2021 – Kiwi Tripsters

The Tourism Export Council join us to talk about industry morale in the wake of the La Laperouse debacle.   Go to 18 minutes. Listen here.

Calls to recycle $15.7 million in aid declined by tourism operators

12 February 2021 – Stuff

The Tourism Export Council, which recently requested a further $200m in support, is also pressing for the Stapp money to be reused as soon as possible, and chief executive Lynda Keene has warned that many businesses could simply disappear in six to nine months if the border remained closed.  Read here.

Q&A: Tourism Export Council’s Lynda Keene

9 February 2021 – NZ Business Traveller 

Mike Yardley raised a range of questions with industry leader, Lynda Keene, who is CEO of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand. Read here.

Q&A with Mike Yardley

9 February 2021 – For the Love of Travel 

Mike Yardley raised a range of questions with industry leader, Lynda Keene, who is CEO of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand. Read here.

Bureaucracy’s hostile posture to enterprise

9 February 2021 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council boss Lynda Keene is urging government agencies to come together and get to grips with how the visitor economy touches multiple agencies. Read here.

Economic recovery plan urgently needed for inbound tourism sector

4 February 2021 – Inside Tourism 

“They are hanging by a thread.’  Read here.

Domestic tourists ‘not enough’ for Mackenzie, mayor says

4 February 2021 – Stuff

This week the Tourism Export Council NZ warned tourism businesses could fall over unless more government funding was provided to assist covering wages and fixed costs. Read here.

Tourism Export Council makes urgent call for action

3 February 2021 – Radio NZ

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene tells The Panel how the government can help. Listen here.

Tourism industry pleads for financial assistance from Government

3 February 2021 – Newstalk

“It affects New Zealand’s international reputation to the time to act is now and we need a plan.”

Keene says things haven’t gone to plan.   Listen here.

TECNZ: $200m Govt lifeline vital to stave off closures

3 February 2021 – Tourism Ticker

The Tourism Export Council is calling on the Government to extend its support of the tourism sector by issuing a $200m lifeline to operators struggling to survive in the face of ongoing border closures. Read here.

ITOs desperate says TEC

3 February 2021 – Newsroom 

The NZ Tourism Export Council, which represents the sector’s inbound tour operators and associated businesses, has warned there will be “no international tourism offering in New Zealand” within three to six months without urgent, additional government funding. Read here.

Wednesday letter: One year on..

 3 February 2021 – Tourism Ticker 

That’s right, a $42bn annual visitor economy, and so far the Government has seen fit to spend less than 1% of that in tourism sector support. Read here.

Inbound sector ‘hangs by a thread’

 3 February 2021 – TravelMemo

Chief executive Lynda Keene said we cannot understate how serious the future of NZ’s international visitor economy is. Without
financial support and targeted assistance in 2021, ITOs and visitor product and experiences will be forced to close. Read here.

Six months to save NZ’s international tourist sector: export council

 2 February 2021 – Business Desk

There will be “no international tourism offering in New Zealand” within three to six months without urgent, additional government funding, the Tourist Export Council warns the government in a position paper.  Read here.

Tourism Export Council’s wishlist for Government ministers

 2 February 2021 – NZ Herald

The Tourism Export Council says inbound tour operators have had no income since the country’s borders were closed early last year and have been the most affected sector across the international tourism industry.  Read here.

April will be crunch time for the tourism industry

 29 January 2021 – Stuff

Chief executive Lynda Keene said the inbound tour sector was worth $17.5b a year pre-Covid, and operators desperately needed financial support to keep going and protect the future pipeline of visitors when the border reopened. Read here.

2021 another challenging year for ITOs – TECNZ’s Keene

 18 January 2021 – Tourism Ticker 

Keene said TECNZ would continue to lobby the Government for more financial support for ITOs.  Read here.

Q1 travel bubble no saviour for hard-hit ITOs

 16 December 2020 – Tourism Ticker 

“I don’t think ITOs in general are pinning their hopes on the Australia bubble to save them,” Anna Black said.  Read here.

Travel bubble plan “Christmas present” for tourism – TIA

 15 December 2020 – Tourism Ticker 

“We are rapt that plans have finally progressed for a trans-Tasman travel bubble in Q1 in 2021,” TECNZ chief executive Lynda Keene said.  Read here.

‘Intention dates’ to reopen border critical, says tourism body

 8 December 2020 – Tourism Memo

If Australia reopens its border to long haul visitors in 2021 and New Zealand does not, this country will lose the window of attracting those international guests for another five years, the 250 strong audience at a tourism conference in Auckland heard last week. Read here.

NZ cruise stuck in “no man’s land”, missing $601m – NZCA’s Summers

 8 December 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Speaking at Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s 2020 Xmas Symposium in Auckland last week, Summers said the industry in New Zealand was watching idly as cruise resumed overseas. Read here.

Operators, be ready to lift prices – TECNZ

 8 December 2020 – Tourism Ticker

During a Q&A panel at the TECNZ 2020 Xmas Symposium last week, Keene said operators had to look at getting their pricing back to “some form of normal”.  Read here.

NZ “toughest market in the world” for airlines – BARNZ

 4 December 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Speaking at Wednesday’s 2020 Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Xmas Symposium in Auckland, Tighe-Umbers said the country risked being left behind if ongoing Covid-19 restrictions made it too hard for airlines to bring in passengers. Read here.

Call to be ‘more creative’ on borders, from airlines’ board

 4 December 2020 – Travel Memo

BARNZ executive director Justin Tighe-Umbers told the Tourism Export Council NZ Xmas Symposium
this week that he is still hopeful of an open border to the Cook Islands before Christmas or just after, and safe
zone movement to at least some states of Australia to be announced in the New Year. Read here.

Tourism Export Council warns New Zealand visitor industry could take years to recover – if it ever does

 4 December 2020 – The Herald

While the tourism industry had been resilient, chief executive Lynda Keene said it was critical there was a phased, safe return of long-haul international visitors. Read here.

ITOs cannot wait until 2022 – TECNZ’s Keene

 3 December 2020 – Tourism Ticker 

Visitors from long-haul destinations must begin to arrive in New Zealand from 1 October 2021 if inbound tour operators are to survive the Covid-19 crisis, says Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene. Read here.

ATEC to provide COVID Ready training for NZ based tourism businesses

 24 November 2020 – Australasian Leisure Management 

Tourism Export Council of NZ’s (TECNZ) Chief Executive Lynda Keene said the program would push both Australia and New Zealand to the top of the destination bucket-list when international travel resumes. Read here.

Checklist for tourism launched to promote quality tourism suppliers

 27 November 2020 – Travel Memo

The Tourism Trade Checklist (TTC) has been launched in New Zealand to promote quality tourism suppliers who comply with the nation’s operational protocols/guidelines, regulations and are Covid Ready. Read here.

TECNZ partners with Aus for NZ trade checklist

 24 November 2020 – Tourism Ticker

“When it is time to safely reopen New Zealand’s border to long-haul travellers, the tourism industry will be ready,” Keene said. Read here.

Tourism industry welcomes new Tourism Minister Stuart Nash

 2 November 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said her members would be feeling “pretty good” about Nash’s appointment.  ”We feel pleased because there’s a natural marriage between economic and regional development, tourism and small business, because tourism touches every part of the economy.”  Read here.

A new minister for tourism – what does industry think?

 2 November 2020 – Tourism Ticker

“Government has done a good job aligning or clustering some of the portfolios under one minister. TECNZ is pleased minister Nash has the tourism portfolio. There is a natural fit between economic and regional development, small business and tourism,” said Keene. Read here.

Tourism wants $200 travel card and long-term plan from the Government

 19 October 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council (TEC) chief executive Lynda Keene agreed.  She said the Government’s Tourism Futures Taskforce would look at how to develop the industry through until 2050, but a more immediate plan on how to handle a return of international visitors was badly needed.  Read here.

Tourism leaders: Let’s make the most of Ardern’s star power

 19 October 2020 – Herald

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said she strongly backed Ardern for the portfolio. Read here.

National aims to save every tourism job with more financial aid for businesses

 2 October 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keen gave National’s tourism policy a score of nine out of 10 because it addressed many of the current and future needs of businesses impacted by Covid-19. Read here.

TECNZ’s election wishlist: Grants, subsidies, and GST changes

 29 September 2020 – Tourism Ticker

“TECNZ will lead the development of an International Tourism Recovery Strategy over the next month. We will present Government with solutions to make decisions to safely welcome back visitors to New Zealand.”  Read here.

Auditor-General asked to prob tourism assets funding

 28 September 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene they would like any unused grant or loan funding to be allocated to transport, day tour operators, accommodation and other unsuccessful Stapp applicants.  Read here.

International tourism operators urge Government for a plan

 17 September 2020 – Newstalk ZB

Mike Hosking interviewed Lynda about international tourism operators urge Government for a plan. Read here.

Furious tourism operators demand change over unfair funding shambles

 17 September 2020 – Stuff

The Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said they were shocked to discover inbound tour operators (ITOs) would be offered $20m in loans after being assured in late July they would get grants. Read here.

Inbounders worry borders closed to late 2021-22

8 September 2020 – TravelMemo

New Zealand inbound tour operators fear that the border will remain closed until late 2021 or won’t reopen until 2022. Read here.

Inbounders welcome loans but alternatives needed

4 September 2020 – TravelMemo

TECNZ chief executive Lynda Keene says the increase from the initial number of 10 ITOs, on better conditions than originally discussed, will allow those businesses to remain operational. Read here.

Coronavirus: $20 million in cheap loans to keep 26 inbound tour operators afloat

3 September 2020 – Stuff

Lynda said not all inbound operators would take up the loan offer because they currently had no income, and TEC would continue to seek grants as well.  “This will ensure inbound tourism operators are treated the same way as other parts of the sector.’”  Read here.

STAPP loan terms revealed, 26 ITOs approved

3 September 2020 – Tourism Ticker

“We will continue to advocate for ITOs to be offered grants, or alternative funding mechanisms over the upcoming months to help them keep their businesses afloat.  Read here.

TECNZ pleased industry has been heard, but consistency needed

3 September 2020 – Inside Tourism

“We have been urging the Government to widen the scope of its funding for ITOs, so we are grateful there has been some change from the original proposal”  Read here.

ITO goes into liquidation – “more to come”, says KPMG

20 August 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Abrahamson said she was too upset to comment on the closure but Tourism Export Council of New Zealand chief executive Lynda Keene said it was “gutting” news for the industry. Read here.

Inbounders ‘underwhelmed’ by extra two weeks – still awaiting STAPP clarity

18 August 2020 – TravelMemo

Chief executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ), Lynda Keene says although the council is pleased there is an extension, an additional two weeks is not going to help businesses trying to plan for the next four months through to Christmas. Read here.

Wage subsidy “underwhelming” for “devastated industry”

18 August 2020 – Tourism Ticker

“TECNZ is underwhelmed that Government is only looking to extend the wage subsidy for a further two weeks,” she said.  Read here.

Extra two weeks of wage subsidies expected to protect 470,000 jobs at cost of $510m

17 August 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said it was “underwhelmed” that the wage subsidies would be for a further two weeks. Read here.

Regional lockdown tactic welcomed but tourism on tenterhooks

13 August 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Lynda Keene, chief executive at Tourism Export Council NZ, was hoping for a quick resolution to the new outbreak. Read here.

What now for ITOs after “kick in the teeth” from Govt?

4 August 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Anna Black, executive director at General Travel New Zealand and chair of Tourism Export Council NZ, said Saturday’s STAPP announcement was devastating for inbound tour operators. Read here.

‘Viable but vulnerable’ travel businesses in need of support

4 August 2020 – Stuff 

The council’s chief executive, Lynda Keene, tells me it was hugely frustrating to be informed by officials (last week) that there will be no grant funding available for ITOs. The decision to offer loans won’t help members as they have no income coming in. Read here.

Tourism Export Council ‘immensely disappointed’ by $311m industry aid package

1 August 2020 – Stuff 

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said it was “hugely frustrated” that no inbound tourism operators had been successful in their grant applications and would instead be supported by a separate $20m loan scheme. Read here.

Industry “underwhelmed, frustrated” at STAPP support

1 August 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s chief executive, Lynda Keene, who urged the Government to reconsider the decision not to support this “integral part of the tourism sector”.  Read here.

Tourism gets some recognition but travel agents again left in the dark

31 July 2020 – TravelMemo 

Chief executive Lynda Keene. ‘But it was hugely frustrating to be informed by officials at the last minute that there will be no grant funding made available for inbound tour operators.. Read here.

Zac Watson on the value of young talent in tourism

27 July 2020 – Tourism Ticker

We can build a stronger, more purposeful industry, with the help of the next generation of leaders, says YoungTEC’s chair.    Read here.

Workshop for young tourism leaders

23 July 2020 – TravelMemo

YoungTEC (Tourism Export Council) aims to tackle the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic by providing a development opportunity for young tourism leaders.    Read here.

‘Opportunity in uncertainty’ workshop for YoungTEC leaders

23 July 2020 – Inside Tourism 

“As a strong advocate of tourism as a career, we are proud to provide additional support for young people to build resilience and confidence especially during this unprecedented time.”.   Read here.

Sector’s ‘mixed response’ to end of wage subsidy

7 July 2020 – TravelMemo

Chief executive Lynda Keene says the wage subsidy has been the most helpful support from Government during the Covid-19 crisis, which has allowed Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) to survive with staffing levels and bare bones operations.   Read here.

Opening markets: Tourism body’s recovery ‘road map’

16 June 2020 – TravelMemo

Tourism Export Council (TEC) NZ has released an international tourism recovery roadmap that predicts trans Tasman travel opening up in October 2020 and a number of Asia Pacific source markets / destinations following a month later.  Read here.

TECNZ maps return to pre-Covid arrivals

15 June 2020 – Tourism Ticker

The inbound tour operator association has released a forecast which maps the climb in annual New Zealand arrivals back to the three million mark, based on staggered border openings led by the trans-Tasman bubble in October 2020. Read here.

Minister pressures DOC officials to cut fees for struggling tourism operators

11 June 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene spent three months lobbying to have last year’s concession fees dropped for the Inbound Tour Operators and many tourism businesses it represents. Read here.

Budget 2020: Pass or fail: Tourist, hotel and aviation groups rate the budget

15 May 2020 – Herald

“The Government has failed the international tourism sector and appears to have given up on an industry that has produced so much for the New Zealand economy,” says council chief executive Lynda Keene. Read here.

TECNZ: ITOs “failed by Govt”

15 May 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Tourism businesses at the sharp end of dramatic drop in international tourism say they have been “failed by government” and expressed “immense disappointment” at yesterday’s Budget 2020. Read here.

‘An absolute crock’: Tourism industry rounds on ‘wildly disappointing’ budget

15 May 2020 – The Spinoff

Yesterday was “a sad day for all businesses involved in the international tourism sector”, said Lynda Keene, chief executive of the NZ Tourism Export Council. Read here.

ITOs cant hibernate

15 May 2020 – Travel Memo

‘Pan Pacific is a member of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ), which has 71 inbound tour operator (ITO) members. These companies handle one out of every three long haul visitors to New Zealand,’ Brady says. Read here.

Budget 2020: Grant Bradley – What Tourism’s $400m special fund, wage subsidy extension means

15 May 2020 – The Herald

”The package will not help inbound tour operators or businesses that have 80 per cent of their business orientated around international visitors to make it to the finish line (at the end of the year). In fact, the tourism recovery package does not even help businesses to get to the starting line in spring,” said chief executive Lynda Keene. Read here.

Tourism says many jobs will go despite $400m Budget rescue package

14 May 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said the subsidy decision was “immensely disappointing” because the extension did not get businesses through to spring when they started work for next year’s bookings.  Read here.

TECNZ urges wage subsidy extension in tourism-targeted support

7 May 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Speaking on TECNZ’s health and wellbeing webinar Tuesday, chief executive Lynda Keene said it was clear from the outset that 12 weeks of wage subsidies would not be sufficient. Read here.

Tourism industry hopeful trans-Tasman bubble will happen before spring

5 May 2020 – Newstalk ZB

Tourism Export Council CEO Lynda Keene told Heather du Plessis-Allan their first wish is to get tourists over for the ski season in July and August.  Listen here.

Covid 19 coronavirus: Tourism Export Council’s survival wishlist

5 May 2020 – Herald

Export council chief executive Lynda Keene says the private sector needs faster and clearer communication from the Government on its plans.  Read more.

Webinar takes temperature on managing adversity

5 May 2020 – TravelMemo

The Tourism Export Council (TEC) NZ is hosting another ‘Tourism Temperature’ webinar today, Tuesday 5 May, from 1.30-2.30pm. Read more.

Inbounders reveal tough calls on redundancies

1 May 2020 – TravelMemo

TEC says it has been lobbying to have the wage subsidy extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. ‘Any specific sector initiative designed to help the tourism sector rebound as quickly as possible would be welcomed by the industry. Read more.

ITO survey reveals redundancies, closures and subsidy lifeline

30 April 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said that preliminary results of a survey of its ITO members showed that 100% of respondents had applied for the Government’s wage subsidy. Read more.

PM suggests specific tourism, events support but what does industry want?

29 April 2020 – Tourism Ticker

It’s encouraging to hear the prime minister reference the possibility that Government is now looking at potential specific sector support of which tourism was one mentioned. Read more.

Covid 19 coronavirus: International tourism ‘not a write-off,’ Tourism Export Council says

27 April 2020 – Herald

International tourists are already planning to return to New Zealand this side of Christmas, says the Tourism Export Council as it calls for the government not to abandon the once-booming sector. Read more.

Ngāi Tahu job cuts a ‘horror story’ for NZ’s Queenstown tourism

24 April 2020 – Asia Pacific Report

Tourism Export Council NZ chief executive Lynda Keene said it was a sad day for tourism. “I do hope that this isn’t going to be the start and that there will be a further domino effect,” she said.  Read more.

Travel sector should start on ‘runway’ for trans Tasman travel

24 April 2020 – TravelMemo

Speaking at the Tourism Temperature digital event, organised by the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) various speakers felt the trans Tasman travel bubble could fly if the countries’ governments and health authorities also worked together to create safe and highly monitored gateways. Read more.

National tourism conference postponed until 2021

23 April 2020 – Taranaki Daily News

While a national tourism conference has been canned this year, it will now fall in Taranaki for it’s 50th anniversary in 2021. Read more.

Plan to cut 300 jobs

23 April 2020 – RadioNZ interview

Lynda Keene (towards the end for 10 minutes) Listen here.

Postponement of 2020 tourism council conference in Taranaki

23 April 2020 – Stratford Press

“It is disappointing to make this decision, but we look forward to showcasing the Taranaki region and reconnecting our members together to celebrate TECNZ’s 50th conference anniversary in 2021,” says TECNZ chief executive Lynda Keene. Read more.

Coronavirus: Ngai Tahu Tourism may lay off 300 workers

23 April 2020 – Stuff

“I hope this hibernation allows their business to come through this situation and regroup over the latter part of the year.” Read more.

2020 TECNZ Conference postponed

23 April 2020 – Tourism Ticker

“We are in an unfortunate position where we have to postpone the 2020 TECNZ conference,” said Lynda Keene, chief executive of TECNZ. Read more.

Overseas agents target Oct/Nov NZ return – TECNZ

22 April 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Speaking on TECNZ’s industry webinar Tourism Temperature on Tuesday afternoon, Black said a “wait-and-see” mentality still persisted. Read more.

Once in a Lifetime Chance to Reshape tourism

8 April 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand chief executive Lynda Keene said this was an opportune time to create a new roadmap for tourism in New Zealand, but it didn’t need to be reinvented from scratch. Read more.

Lowdown on the Lockdown

2 April 2020 – Tourism Ticker

The last few weeks have definitely been nothing any of us have seen before, let alone could have seen coming. Read more.

Please do not fail us – TECNZ

26 March 2020 – Inside Tourism 

“TECNZ supported government’s decision to assist small businesses with a wage subsidy which was activated last week,”  Read more.

Industry groups welcome expanded Govt support…

24 March 2020 – Tourism Ticker 

Tourism Export Council chief executive, Lynda Keene, who warned over the weekend of an employment and business “carnage” unless support was provided, said increasing support “for all businesses of all sizes is commendable and a great start”. Read more.

Coronavirus: Thousands of tourists could be stranded in NZ

24 March 2020 – Radio New Zealand audio

Listen here (1.28 into the interview)

Tourists in New Zealand urged to ‘get home as soon as you can’

24 March 2020 – Radio New Zealand 

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene agreed, saying visitors would need support. Read more.

Help us within 48 hours or there will be “carnage” warn tourism leaders

23 March 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said the wage subsidies announced last week helped smaller businesses, but  those with more than 20 staff were really hurting and further Government assistance was urgently needed. Read more.

“Businesses are dying, it’s carnage out there” – TECNZ

23 March 2020 – Tourism Ticker 

TECNZ’s chief executive, Lynda Keene, said the Government’s decision to close the border and discourage domestic travel to combat the spread of Covid-19 marked the end of many tourism operators. Read more.

Unprecedented government COVID-19 announcement “shock”

19 March 2020 – Inside Tourism 

New regulations requiring anyone travelling to New Zealand to self isolate for 14 days has come as a shock to the tourism industry. Read more.

TIA operator panel swings into action

18 March 2020 – Tourism Ticker 

Fifteen senior representatives from across the industry came together for the first meeting of Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s operators’ panel. Read more.

“Shock, surprise, emotional” – industry reaction to new restrictions

16 March 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand chair, Anna Black, said the new restrictions came as a “shock”.  Read more.

Coronavirus: Jitters over long haul flights hit all major travel markets

11 March 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said their latest survey of 260 businesses showed about a quarter had been affected by coronavirus with cancellation costs ranging from $45,000 for a small business to $8 million for larger ones.  Read more.

TECNZ CEO Lynda Keene on leadership and being bold

11 March 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Tourism Export Council’s new CEO, Lynda Keene, on the importance of profiling women in leadership, being bold and backing yourself. Read more.

New heads at YoungTEC

3 March 2020 – Travel Memo

Zac Watson, Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), is the new chair of the Young Tourism Export Council (Young TEC) and Lilly Douglas, Tourism New Zealand is vice chair. Read more.

YoungTEC chair and vice chair announced

27 February 2020 – Inside Tourism 

The Board of the Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand is delighted to announce that Zac Watson of ATEED has been appointed in the role of chair and Lilly Douglas of Tourism New Zealand as vice chair.  Read more.

TECNZ’s new CEO Lynda Keene on Covid-19’s impact on ITOs

25 February 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s Lynda Keene on impact coronavirus is having on ITOs, a possible upside for NZ, and why FY20 is going to be a game of two halves – the good and the ugly.   Read more.

YoungTEC appoints new leaders

25 February 2020 – Tourism Ticker

Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development’s product development manager, Zac Watson, has been appointed the new chair of the Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand.  He succeeds Maverick Digital’s Nicole Botting in the role and will be supported by Tourism New Zealand trade content and communications specialist, Lilly Douglas, as vice chair.   Read more.

Coronavirus: small wins for cruise, longer losses for Chinese visitor market

24 February 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said inbound agents and tourism operators were keeping a careful watch on what was happening in other markets. Read more.

Coronavirus: NZ tourism reels from border closure and Chinese visitor drought

16 February 2020 – Stuff

In peak season, 3000 to 4000 people a day visit Milford Sound and Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene says that to have an iconic destination like that out of action is really compounding the loss of Chinese trade, and we need to do a better of job of making key routes more weather-resistant.  Read more.

Vale Don Gunn

7 February 2020 – Travel Memo

Anna Black, chair of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) says she has known Don and Sue Gunn for many years, both through General Travel when she was a child, then through his various roles in Rotorua.   Read more.

 Close to $100 million hole in tourism earnings from Chinese travel ban

3 February 2020 – Stuff

Tourism Export Council chief executive Lynda Keene said businesses may need to let staff go if the travel ban carried on through March and April, but they could try to cover the shortfall by picking up more domestic customers and targeting less affected overseas markets, such as Australia.  Read more.

 Double celebration and funds for Australia mark Skal Christchurch’s 50th

20 January 2020 – Travel Memo 

Given a Taonga by Lynda Keene, newly appointed CEO of Tourism Export Council New Zealand, and president of Skal Te Tauihu in Nelson.  Read more.

New Chief Executive for tourism body

20 December 2019 – Travel Memo 

The board of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) has appointed Lynda Keene as chief executive. Read more.

Tourism Export Council of NZ appoints new Chief Executive

17 December 2019 – Scoop

Anna Black, Board Chair of TECNZ says, “Lynda has extensive experience with inbound tourism, working with product suppliers and also experience in regional tourism development.  Read more.

Lynda Keene appointed as Chief Executive of Tourism Export Council

17 December 2019 – Devdiscourse

Some of Lynda’s previous roles have included working in hotel management (THC, Southern Pacific Hotels, now Intercontinental), former Chief Executive of Tourism Waikato, the Scottwood Trust, and Nelson Tasman Tourism.  Read more.

Celebrating TECNZ’s newest life member

12 December 2019 – Inside Tourism 

Tourism Export Council awarded Peter Black, General Travel, a Life Membership at the TECNZ Xmas Symposium event in Auckland last week. Read more.

Resort marketing manager picks up tourism award

7 December 2019 – Otago Daily Times 

Queenstown’s  Ella Spittle has won at this year’s Young Tourism Export Council (YoungTEC) award, it was announced this week. Read more.

TEC hands out the honours

6 December 2019 – Travel Memo 

Tourism Export Council New Zealand (TECNZ) named a new Life Member and handed out the annual Young TEC awards during its Christmas Symposium at Grand Millennium Auckland this week.  Read more.

Judy Chen: Industry challenges, sustainability, and TECNZ’s profile

5 December 2019 – Tourism Ticker 

Increasing member engagement and raising the profile of Tourism Export Council New Zealand were just two of the key goals departing chief executive Judy Chen set out to deliver when she stepped into the role in October 2017.   Read more.

 YoungTEC conference tackles the challenge of tourism as a career

5 December 2019 – Tourism Ticker 

The YoungTEC members gathered earlier this week in Auckland to discuss and be part of the thought provoking theme, ‘Tourism is a great career, right?’ at this year’s YoungTEC Summit.  Read more.

 Celebrating TECNZ’s newest Life Member

4 December 2019 – Scoop

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) awarded Peter Black, General Travel a Life Membership at the TECNZ Xmas Symposium event in Auckland today. Read more.

 YoungTEC conference tackles the challenge of tourism

3 December 2019 – Scoop

The YoungTEC members gather today in Auckland to discuss and be part of the thought provoking theme, ‘Tourism is a great career, right?’ at this year’s YoungTEC Summit.  Read more.

 Artificial intelligence, solar powered cameras for new responsible camping scheme

2 December 2019 – Radio NZ

Tourism Export Council chief executive Judy Chen said the initiatives would hopefully solve some of the challenges traditional methods hadn’t.  Read more.

TECNZ’s Chen presents Tiaki at ATEC

28 November 2019 – Tourism Ticker 

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand chief executive Judy Chen presented the Tiaki – Care for New Zealand initiative to more than 500 delegates at the Australian Tourism Export Council’s annual conference in Brisbane this week.  Read more.

Showcasing New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability

28 November 2019 – Inside Tourism 

Chief executive of Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Judy Chen shared her insights on sustainability trends to more than 500 delegates, at the Australian Tourism Export Council’s annual conference ‘ATEC Meeting Place’ in Brisbane this week. Read more.

Showcasing New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability

27 November 2019 – Scoop Business

“Over 89% of New Zealanders believe that Tiaki – Care for New Zealand is important and this initiative is admired by a number of our international colleagues as a great example aligning environmental, cultural, and social elements of sustainability” says Ms Chen. Read more.

Slow processing of South East Asian visitor visas is costing the tourism industry dear

11 November 2019 – Stuff 

Tourism Export Council chief executive Judy Chen said processing times for low risk travellers from India and China had doubled over the last two years and Immigration NZ (INZ) had recently issued a warning to expect delays over peak season.  Read more

Tourism industry on edge as visitor visa delays continue

11 November 2019 – Radio New Zealand

Significant delays in processing tourist visitor visas travelling from India and other countries in South East Asia, have tourism operators on edge as the peak holiday season approaches. Listen here.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand expecting stable tourism for summer season

28 October 2019 – CAPA

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand reported (25-Oct-2019) it is expecting tourism within New Zealand to stabilise “after years of double digit growth”. Tourism Export Council CEO Judy Chen reported.   Read more

Tourism figures get nod

25 October 2019 – ODT

Two Southern tourism figures have been named national finalists in this year’s Young Tourism Export Council (YoungTEC) awards.   Read more

Tourism operators advised to take stock

25 October 2019 – Travel Memo

Tourism operators are being advised to think about sustainability and their environmental credentials as they gear up for the peak summer season   Read more

Accolades come thick and fast for Ziptrek Ecotours

25 October 2019 – Scoop

And today (Friday October 25) Ziptrek Sales Executive Kenny Wynter was announced as the only Queenstown-based member on the seven-strong YoungTEC Executive team for 2020.  Read more

Mixed visitor performance expected for summer season

24 October 2019 – Tourism Ticker 

The tourism industry is set to have a mixed performance in visitor arrivals this summer season, according to Tourism Export Council New Zealand.   Read more

‘No question’: APEC will be held in Auckland, despite SkyCity fire – PM

23 October 2019 – RNZ

Tourism Export Council chief executive Judy Chen said the industry was banding together to support SkyCity with hoteliers in central Auckland helping to relocate evacuees.  Read more

Tourism industry facing a steady summer season

23 October 2019 – Scoop

Tourism Export Council Chief Executive Judy Chen said the sector was expecting a slight dip in arrivals for summer, but for many that would be an opportunity to take stock and ensure they were well set up for future growth.   Read more

Tourism industry facing a steady summer season after years of stellar growth

23 October 2019 – Inside Tourism 

The tourism industry is busy preparing for the summer season despite numbers from some markets dropping back from the record highs of past years.   Read more

Young tourism awards finalists named

22 October 2019 – Travel Memo

YoungTEC (Tourism Export Council) has announced the finalists of its 2019 Excellence and Go with Tourism Rising Star awards.   Read more

YoungTEC announces 2019 awards finalists

18 October 2019 – Tourism Ticker

A raft of emerging talent from the tourism industry is competing to take out this year’s YoungTEC Excellence and Go with Tourism rising star awards.  Read more

Fake visa websites fleecing overseas visitors

16 October 2019 – RadioNZ

Tourism Export Council chief executive Judy Chen said any visitors facing higher fees needed to double check they were on a legitimate site before proceeding.  Read more

The tide of Chinese visitors has turned – should the tourism industry be worried?

6 October 2019 – Stuff

Some serving the China market are definitely hurting and Tourism Export Council chief executive Judy Chen says for them it’s been “a pretty tough winter.”  Read more

Tourism guru offers advice

27 September 2019 – Oamaru Mail 

Waitaki tourism operators should celebrate and promote what makes them special.  Read more

Celebrate your uniqueness

Regions urged to develop more tourist attractions