The event was seen as a strategic step in Queenstown’s ambition to become a leading travel and hospitality technology hub, but it also allowed the wider industry to discuss everything from the environment to payment systems, from aviation plans to the future of the workplace and much more. As it does in other places in the world (including Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Cape Town), WiT allowed local operators to network with experts around the world – in this case notably other parts of New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
WiT founder Siew Hoon Yeoh says the event had succeeded beyond expectations. ‘The speaker quality and content were excellent but discussions were honest and held with a sense of humour in a way that only Kiwis can do. We’re definitely open to coming back here.’
Sustainability and social licence were frequently on the agenda.
Mat Woods, CEO of Destination Queenstown says the town’s amazing backdrop is a natural drawcard for visitors but it comes with its own problems.
‘Sometimes the community can feel constrained by the people coming here and it is about balancing that tension.’
He says an example is around traffic congestion between the airport and the CBD. ‘Neither the community, nor the travellers want that
‘We don’t have a capacity problem – we have the capacity. It is more around making sure we provide benefits for both our locals and our visitors.’
Craig Gray, CEO of Tourplan was on a panel about scaling travel tech businesses beyond home shores.
He says while Tourplan’s infrastructure was well set up in New Zealand, having ‘boots on the ground’ is important when moving into other markets.
‘If you have the right people in market it will be successful. This is the travel industry – people still like being face to face, we still need to do the trade shows.’
Gray says Tourplan has stayed true to its niche, serving the destination management company (DMC) community. ‘This is where we want to play. Inbound tour operating has the same fundamentals around the world and we can always fine tune things if need to.’
