New Zealand
Trade key for Leisure Time Tours
Supporting the local travel agent community and encouraging customers to do the same is a key strategy of long standing tour operator Leisure Time Tours, says managing director Scott Mehrtens.
‘Having operated for 33 years we have a deep understanding of how the distribution channels work, we are fully commissionable and we are able to immediately offer a wide range of domestic product to our travel agency partners,’ he says.
Opps for off the beaten track
Offering ‘out of the way places’ and special experiences that clients would find dificult to access under their own steam, is one of the keys to MoaTours’ operations says founder Ena Hutchinson.
The specialist in small group tours for mature travellers also offers opportunities for travel agents and brokers as the country sets its sights on opening up domestic tourism.
Reduncancies for inbounders
More than 40% of New Zealand’s tourism businesses have already been put into hibernation, judging by the preliminary results of a survey by the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ).
With about 50% of the inbound tour operator members having returned their survey, 32% of inbound tour operators say they have made staff redundant and 90% say they will need to make more staff cuts if the government subsidy is not extended past 12 weeks.
The allied member survey (27% response rate) indicates that only 23% have made staff redundant to date. However, 100% say they will make more redundancies if the subsidy is not extended.
In a newsletter this week, TEC says it has been lobbying to have the wage subsidy extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
‘It has been 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.
‘Any specific sector initiative designed to help the tourism sector rebound as quickly as possible would be welcomed by the industry.
‘New Zealand has been successful on the health front and can also achieve a successful economic rebound as well, with a little more help.’
Waiting game for timing hints
The medium term outlook for travel and tourism will depend on whether or not the world insists on waiting for a vaccine before borders are opened at all, Anna Black, chair Tourism Export Council NZ (TECNZ) said during the Tourism Temperature webinar this week.
‘Or do people start travelling without a vaccine but with safe border controls? If the plan is (ongoing) self isolation on arrival, that won’t work for international travellers.’
Kiwi B&Bs waiting to be paid
A number of New Zealand-based bed and breakfast operators say they are still waiting to be paid by overseas agents (including inbound tour operators and wholesale travel companies), despite accommodating their clients months ago. The Bed & Breakfast Association New Zealand (BBANZ) says Covid-19 has disrupted payments to operators resulting in many overdue debts.
Meetings to help early recovery
Business events (conferences, incentives and meetings) will be an important and probably early part of New Zealand’s tourism revival, attendees at Wednesday's Kickstaring The Tourism Sector Together webinar heard.
Stephen England-Hall, Tourism New Zealand’s chief executive, said business events, and events in general, provided plenty of opportunity in the domestic sector ‘as much as’ international. ‘Business events move reasonable volumes of high value people and we can do it in a more controlled way. It is an important part of our recovery strategy.’
Visitor levy set to stay
The New Zealand Government appears set to retain the International Visitor Levy, participants in the Kickstarting the Tourism Sector Together webinar heard on Wednesday.
In a response to a question, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said even though the tourist tax was designed for ‘a different time and a different future’ it will still have a place. ‘We need all the tools to rebuild and restart, we need sustainable funding models.’
Clarity needed on border and travel restrictions says NZ's Wallace
Air New Zealand will need clarity around border and travel restrictions before it makes any statement on resumption of services, those who listened into the Kickstarting the Tourism Sector Together webinar heard on Wednesday.
‘When we get that clarity, even if it’s not what we want to hear, we will be able to start making decisions,’ says Cam Wallace, chief revenue officer with Air New Zealand.
Quarantine accommodation site
A new website lists accommodation options for people who need to self-isolate due to Covid-19.
TAANZ asks for 80%
The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) has proposed to the government that the next 12-week assistance package is paid to all travel agent business owners on a per owner, per employee and contractor basis at 80% of the living wage (equalling $676.8 a week).
Dino from xtravel at your service…
Being called a dinosaur isn’t normally meant as a term of endearment, but for Frankton travel agent Tori Keating getting a bit prehistoric is a way to lighten up during these days of self isolation.
FC NZ calls on help
Flight Centre NZ says it has been forced to make some 250 roles redundant, given that all travel is now effectively off limits as the result of widespread border closures.
Wendy Wu visits WLG trade
After 25 years in the travel business Wendy Wu made her first ever visit to Wellington this week, and retailers responded by travelling from all over the greater Wellington region to see her.
Who won at A Force for Good?
Helene Taylor, A Force for Good; presented the Driving Diversity Impact Award to Sarah Archer of Air New Zealand, at yesterday’s A Force for Good event.
Diversity and equality
Leaders in the travel industry have been encouraged to create an environment where no-one can hide when it comes to creating a diverse working place and giving equal and fair opportunities to all.
Dalí & Surrealists to Te Papa
A world famous collection of Surrealist art is heading to Te Papa in Wellington late this year. Dalí and the Surrealists: Masterpieces from Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen | Dalí me ngā Ringatoi Pohewa: He Toi Marupō Muhiama o Boijmans Van Beuningen, opens 5 December 2020 and runs until 26 April 2021 in Te Papa’s gallery, Toi Art.
The 180 pieces include major works by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp. Te Papa is the only venue in the Asia Pacific region to host the exhibition. CLICK HERE for details.
New face at World Journeys
Sue Hague has joined World Journeys in a new role as operations manager.
TIME gathers speed with second intake
Five new mentor-mentee partnerships were introduced at TIME’s second intake this week as the organisation gains momentum on this side of the Tasman.
Israel DMC trade events
Diversity, security and the ability to easily combine Israel with neighbouring Middle Eastern countries were emphasised by Innovative Travel this week as it co-hosted road shows in Christchurch and Auckland with destination management company (DMC) Naftali Tours.
HOT store celebrates 25 years
Being tired of working in a large corporate environment and wanting to be independent led Jenny Nilsson and Susan Watson to establish Nilsson and Watson House of Travel in 1995.
NZ Force For Good
A Force for Good, being held at Crowne Plaza Auckland on 9 March, has added three awards to its programme.
Wanaka mountain biking
The South Island’s newest mountain biking adventure park opens this Thursday, set against the backdrop of Glendhu Bay, Wanaka.
