Tourism Leaders Discuss Industry Outlook
Media Statement
Thursday 11 December 2008 – For immediate release
Media statement
The global economic downturn is impacting on New Zealand’s tourism industry but with different effects across the sector.
Twenty senior industry representatives met in Wellington today to discuss the international economic situation and its impact on New Zealand’s tourism industry.
Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Industry Association (TIA), the meeting’s goal was to provide a collective view of the state of the industry.
"While we all agree that this summer is going to be challenging for many operators and the outlook for the winter season at this stage is looking poor, it’s not all doom and gloom,” said Ray Salter, Ministry of Tourism General Manager. “Australia is holding up and the domestic market is likely to help support many tourism businesses over the next three months.”
Mr Salter said attendees acknowledged that some regions and types of tourism businesses would fare better than others in the changing environment.
“Areas that have a heavier reliance on our main long haul international markets including Asia, the US and UK will be more negatively affected while those operating in the Australian and domestic markets are likely to fare better.”
Discussions reinforced that lead times between booking and travel are getting much shorter, making it even more difficult for operators to plan ahead.
The meeting found that because the global economic situation is constantly evolving, quick response systems are needed for sharing the latest information. The group supported a regular gathering of collective industry knowledge and further dialogue.
TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar said it was encouraging to see the leading tourism organisations and operators working together and sharing information.
“Tourism is a diverse industry but by coming together to identify our priorities, we can be ready to take advantage of any opportunities, and be part of helping New Zealand’s economy recover,” he said.
“The collective agreement was that Australia is going to be critical to driving tourism through the next 12 months.”
Today’s discussion will provide input into the Ministry of Tourism's revised tourism forecasts planned for early in 2009.
Those attending the meeting included representatives from TIA, the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Qantas, the New Zealand Hotel Council, Inbound Tourism Operators Council (ITOC), the Motel Association and some major tourism operators.
For further information contact:
Ministry of Tourism
Ray Salter, General Manager
Telephone 021-452-316
Email ray.salter@tourism.govt.nz
Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA)
Ann-Marie Johnson, Senior Communications Advisor
Telephone 04 496 5001
Email ann-marie.johnson@tianz.org.nz
ENDS
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