Latest news with #TRENZ
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taranaki Tourism Experiences Encouraging Long-Term Growth
Despite volatile short-term growth, the Taranaki tourism sector continues to outpace national trends, reporting a 3.9% uplift in tourism expenditure over the past five years based on the latest economic insights from Infometrics, sitting above the relatively flat national average of 0.7%. The sustained long-term growth highlights the region's resilience and appeal as a destination of choice, despite short-term fluctuations in visitor numbers and a tough domestic market. "Short term year-on-year data needs to be considered alongside the broader context of long-term trends to ensure we get the full, and correct picture. Looking across the last five and even ten years, it's pleasing to see that Taranaki is performing well, especially compared to the national average and some of the main centres," Flutey comments that tourism, like most sectors is a mid-long term game and success doesn't come over night. "While external factors can cause volatility year-on-year, the long-term data shows Taranaki is increasingly becoming a destination of choice, particularly as we see a continued shift in behaviour with visitors seeking out off-the-beaten-path destinations," Flutey adds. Over the same 5-year period, Auckland experienced a decline in tourism expenditure of -0.7%, Otago decreased -1%, and Gisborne, a relatively comparable region, saw a more modest increase of 2.8%. "The domestic market has been particularly challenging, with households feeling the pinch, and a reduction in business and corporate travel fuelling short term performance." Despite this, the mid-to-long-term sector outlook is encouraging. "Tourism continues to present a strategic growth opportunity for the region, with our businesses and communities looking to strengthen and diversify our economy." This sustained growth is particularly pleasing for Regional Development Agency and Tourism Organisation, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, who's role it is to engage in significant tourism growth-focused activity on behalf of the region alongside the sector and industry partners. "Over the last five years, we've been strategic and purposeful as to where we put our energy, and how we show up in market. From domestic visitor campaigns aimed at boosting off-peak arrivals, to the development of targeted promotions in the Australian market to build awareness with our largest international visitor arrivals. "Visitor trade has also played a key role in our approach, ensuring we prioritise key visitor trade events and initiatives, attending the likes of TRENZ, the largest tourism trade buyer-seller event in the southern hemisphere." Daniel Fleming, Co owner/General Manager, King & Queen Hotel Suites comments, "We've seen a steady rise in the number of international guests coming through our doors particularly from the American markets, who are uncovering all that our region has to offer." "There's great vibrancy building across the region, with a growing calendar of events, rich cultural experiences, a glowing dining scene, and strong collaboration happening across the tourism sector. We know tourism is a long-term game, and it's exciting to see this momentum gaining pace." "We're looking forward to attending the North Island Showcase in Australia later this year, alongside the team from Venture Taranaki to highlight all that Taranaki has to offer to key Australian travel sellers," Daniel Fleming adds. The recent bumper summer of major events has also reinforced the value of hosting large-scale events for the region's economy and visitor appeal, with the latest data confirming a collective $67 Million boost in economic impact for the region. Independent economic impact reports from the region's stacked summer line-up, including TSB Festival of Lights, two Summer at the Bowl concerts, Americarna, WOMAD, and Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga, show that these six events attracted over 72,000 visitors from outside of the region, helping to drive over $48 Million in direct visitor expenditure. Americarna alone, attracted 34,600 guest nights and contributed $11M in visitor expenditure to the local economy over just four days of classic American car celebrations. "Major events are an effective lever to drive visitation and cultural vibrancy, helping to shine a spotlight on Taranaki as a must-visit destination for new and returning visitors, and providing far-reaching benefits from sold-out accommodation, to increased demand for transport, retail, and hospitality," Flutey says Despite a 6.3 % drop in visitor expenditure for the quarter end to March 2025, the long-term growth and future potential of the Taranaki tourism sector remains clear, as the sector looks to continue to build on its success to date. "In the immediate term we are well placed to continue to capitalise on stage one of the Government's Tourism Growth Roadmap as they invest in demand generation activities to drive international visitor attraction, and there's a lot more opportunity around the corner for us yet, with Central Government having already committed to supporting international campaign activities, and various projects and events," concludes Flutey.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Destination Partnership Programme Enters Third Year Of Promoting Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's Destination Partnership Programme extends to a third year to attract more travellers and business events to the region. The Destination Partnership Programme (DPP) was developed by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited in 2023 as an interim funding solution to continue attracting leisure travellers and business events to the region. 'The DPP funds a robust programme of consumer and trade marketing activity as well as the attraction of business events to the Auckland region,' says Annie Dundas, Director of Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. 'Coming into our third year we've learned a lot, listened to our partners, kept an eye on the evolving landscape that we operate in, and made changes to make the programme more useful.' 'As an organisation our priorities this year include activating an 'always on' events programme for Auckland to draw more visitors to the region, and leveraging the transformational milestones for the city such as the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre and the City Rail Link,' Dundas says. Starting 1 July 2025, the Destination Partnership Programme will offer eight partnership levels. Five levels will continue with three new partnership levels being added: Business Collective for organisations representing a range of businesses in a specific geographic area Gold + Campaign for Gold partners that want to add a targeted conversion campaign at a reduced rate Campaign only for accommodation providers and tourism operators who are interested in only participating in conversion-based activity without the other programme benefits. Registrations for year three of the Destination Partnership Programme are open now. More than 140 businesses supported the programme in year two, with strong early interest from across the visitor economy sector for year three. This includes local tourism operators, accommodation providers, business event service providers and venues. Platinum partners in year two included Accor Hotel Group, Cordis Auckland, Hospitality Services Ltd, SkyCity Group, EVT Hotels & Resorts and Auckland Airport. 'Working alongside industry partners allows us to keep Auckland front of mind for leisure travellers and business events, even in a fiercely competitive global market,' Dundas says. Activity includes consumer marketing campaigns in domestic and Australia markets; PR agency support in the Australian market; trade and media familiarisation opportunities; networking and showcase events; sales activity and representation at key trade events including Australia, China and North America roadshows, TRENZ, AIME and MEETINGS. Notably, 67 business events have been secured that will deliver a forecasted 240,000 visitor nights for Auckland between 2024-2029. 'We're proud of what we've achieved with the industry to showcase Tāmaki Makaurau,' says Dundas. 'However, we remain focused on finding a long-term sustainable funding solution and support Mayor Brown's call for a bed levy to help make that happen.' All DPP funds generated go towards activity that directly benefits the region and are not used for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited overhead costs, nor to attract or invest in major events.
Otago Daily Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Govt invests another $13.5 million in tourism
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Photo: RNZ The government has announced another multimillion-dollar funding boost for Tourism New Zealand in a bid to attract 72,000 more visitors to our shores. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said $13.5 million in funding would help to target the core markets of Australia, the United States and China over the next few years. "This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending, which is a very strong return on investment," she said. "International visitor numbers continue to climb and this boost will help drive further economic growth throughout the entire country." Less than two months ago, she announced a separate $13.5 million boost for Tourism New Zealand to fund marketing in the shorter term, with the aims of attracting an extra 23,000 international visitors by the end of March 2026 and bringing in an additional $100 million. The international visitor levy - which was nearly tripled last year - is covering the costs for both. "We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said. "We want people to know New Zealand is open for business and we welcome visitors with open arms." She described the funding as the first investment in the government's Tourism Growth Roadmap, which outlines the initiatives to help the government and industry double the value of tourism exports by 2034. "We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said. Last year, Tourism New Zealand unveiled an ambitious strategy to grow tourism by $5 billion by attracting more visitors outside of summer over four years. It aimed to grow international tourism spend by 8.7 percent, or an additional $900 million in the strategy's first year. February marked the largest number of US visitors that New Zealand had recorded in a month. At tourism conference TRENZ last month, Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said that had been buoyed by airlines opening up new routes, a tailwind of a strong American dollar and focused marketing, and the outlook for US visitors remained really positive.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taupō Attends TRENZ 2025
Press Release – Destination Great Lake Taupo In total, the Taup region contributed to more than 650 meetings across the event. The projected economic benefit for Taup from these trade relationships is estimated at $2 million. Held over two and a half days, TRENZ 2025 brought together more than 1,200 delegates, including over 340 travel buyers from 26 countries – offering a vital opportunity to drive visitation and economic growth in the Taupō region. This year, DGLT engaged in 52 meetings with key international buyers from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, India and Asia. Taupō was well represented with support from local operators including Orakei Korako, Escape Aviation, Poronui Lodge, The Haka Shop, Chris Jolly Outdoors, and Destinate NZ. These regional experiences were showcased alongside major national brands such as AJ Hackett, Millennium, Hilton, Haka House, Ngāi Tahu, Rapids Jet, Te Pā Tū, Unique Stays and River Birches. In total, the Taupō region contributed to more than 650 meetings across the event. The projected economic benefit for Taupō from these trade relationships is estimated at $2 million. Taupō also hosted five familiarisation trips, welcoming 15 international agents to the region and showcasing over 35 operators. These immersive experiences provided a deeper understanding of Taupō's offerings – from luxury lodges and outdoor adventures to cultural and family-friendly experiences. 'It was amazing to discover a place I had not known about previously. What a delight to find a region that has so much to offer our high-net-worth clientele. Taupō packs a great offering for our Indian clients, granting access to the best of the Central North Island,' said Aneri Shah, Product Manager, A Travel Duet. 'I have been selling New Zealand for 26 years but this is the first time I've stayed in the region. I was amazed to learn that just down the road from the tourism hotspot of Rotorua, Taupō has so much to offer. I definitely need to change out some of my upcoming itineraries for my European visitors and add at least two, more like three nights in Taupō. Next year, I'll be sending my colleagues to explore,' said Damir Tomasevic, Product Manager, Pacific Travel House. 'TRENZ is a great opportunity to reconnect with agents and showcase what's new,' said Tim Barke from Poronui. 'While Poronui has been around for a while, what we offer today is essentially a new product — from luxury multigenerational lodging to experiences like horse trekking, e-biking, and guided walks across our 16,000-acre property. There's been strong interest in the lake house, our safari camp, and lodge dining. The feedback has been incredibly positive.' 'It's our first time at TRENZ, and it's been great to connect,' added Nikolos Gibson from Orakei Korako. 'We've had the chance to highlight what makes our attraction unique. Taupō remains a very underrated destination. I'd definitely attend again.' 'It's been exciting to share what we offer from a uniquely local perspective,' said Snow Rameka of The Haka Shop. 'We believe our point of difference really stands out. The chance to connect with potential clients has been valuable, especially as we look to grow. The event has been incredibly well organised — a real credit to the team.' TRENZ 2025 continues to be a powerful platform to showcase the diversity of experiences available in Taupō, strengthening its presence on the global stage and reinforcing its reputation as one of New Zealand's most welcoming and rewarding destinations.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taupō Attends TRENZ 2025
Press Release – Destination Great Lake Taupo This year, DGLT engaged in 52 meetings with key international buyers from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, India and Asia. The Taup region contributed to more than 650 meetings across the event. Held over two and a half days, TRENZ 2025 brought together more than 1,200 delegates, including over 340 travel buyers from 26 countries – offering a vital opportunity to drive visitation and economic growth in the Taupō region. This year, DGLT engaged in 52 meetings with key international buyers from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, India and Asia. Taupō was well represented with support from local operators including Orakei Korako, Escape Aviation, Poronui Lodge, The Haka Shop, Chris Jolly Outdoors, and Destinate NZ. These regional experiences were showcased alongside major national brands such as AJ Hackett, Millennium, Hilton, Haka House, Ngāi Tahu, Rapids Jet, Te Pā Tū, Unique Stays and River Birches. In total, the Taupō region contributed to more than 650 meetings across the event. The projected economic benefit for Taupō from these trade relationships is estimated at $2 million. Taupō also hosted five familiarisation trips, welcoming 15 international agents to the region and showcasing over 35 operators. These immersive experiences provided a deeper understanding of Taupō's offerings – from luxury lodges and outdoor adventures to cultural and family-friendly experiences. 'It was amazing to discover a place I had not known about previously. What a delight to find a region that has so much to offer our high-net-worth clientele. Taupō packs a great offering for our Indian clients, granting access to the best of the Central North Island,' said Aneri Shah, Product Manager, A Travel Duet. 'I have been selling New Zealand for 26 years but this is the first time I've stayed in the region. I was amazed to learn that just down the road from the tourism hotspot of Rotorua, Taupō has so much to offer. I definitely need to change out some of my upcoming itineraries for my European visitors and add at least two, more like three nights in Taupō. Next year, I'll be sending my colleagues to explore,' said Damir Tomasevic, Product Manager, Pacific Travel House. 'TRENZ is a great opportunity to reconnect with agents and showcase what's new,' said Tim Barke from Poronui. 'While Poronui has been around for a while, what we offer today is essentially a new product — from luxury multigenerational lodging to experiences like horse trekking, e-biking, and guided walks across our 16,000-acre property. There's been strong interest in the lake house, our safari camp, and lodge dining. The feedback has been incredibly positive.' 'It's our first time at TRENZ, and it's been great to connect,' added Nikolos Gibson from Orakei Korako. 'We've had the chance to highlight what makes our attraction unique. Taupō remains a very underrated destination. I'd definitely attend again.' 'It's been exciting to share what we offer from a uniquely local perspective,' said Snow Rameka of The Haka Shop. 'We believe our point of difference really stands out. The chance to connect with potential clients has been valuable, especially as we look to grow. The event has been incredibly well organised — a real credit to the team.' TRENZ 2025 continues to be a powerful platform to showcase the diversity of experiences available in Taupō, strengthening its presence on the global stage and reinforcing its reputation as one of New Zealand's most welcoming and rewarding destinations.
