International tourist numbers: Call for government funds for new airline routes, major events

RNZ News

4 hours ago

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RNZ
A tourism leader is warning the sector is hurting because of the hike in the international visitor levy and a lack of investment in big events.
Tourism Holdings chief executive Grant Webster says growth is sluggish, and trailing far behind Australia.
In recent weeks Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges,
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown
and Sudima Hotels chief operating officer Les Morgan have all called for some action to give Auckland, and the wider economy, a much-needed shot in the arm.
Since October last year, foreign tourists having been paying
a levy of $100
when they arrive - almost triple what they had been paying previously.
Tourism organisations
opposed the increase at the time
, saying it would deter tens of thousands of visitors.
Webster said the sector needed help, and the government needed to boost efforts to bring big events to Aotearoa.
Grant Webster
Photo:
Linkedin
He told
Morning Report
Increased air capacity, cruises and major events were all areas needing further investment.
He cited Australia where state tourism organisations and the national body Tourism Australia were backed by the government. This meant they could target attracting new airlines or routes by paying for marketing and other incentives.
"That has been proven time and time again as a key lever for growing overall toursim numbers."
He said the government had changed its tourism approach - which was the most positive in around eight years - but there was still a lot of work to do.
"Events are a key strategy that we need to really see the government get in behind - they're starting to, there's more money coming into the sector but there's more to do yet."
He said there would need to be some kind of financial support to attract major events like the FIFA World Cup and the World Choir Games.
"The reality is that's what happens around the world. We often think in New Zealand people just want to come here, but it's a competitive market."
The increased levy which was typical of costs imposed at the border had affected demand and put the sector "behind the eight-ball". However, he did not favour axeing it, instead it should be spent in the most effective way possible.
It should soon approach $200 million so "let's get that reinvested".
The point of having some kind of levy, such as a bed tax, imposed on a national basis was supported by the travel industry.
"We've got to reinvest to get this whole system working in the right way... let's get on with it and do it."
Tourism Minister Louise Upston has been approached for comment.