Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Stresses show as New Zealand tourism thrives

Stresses show as New Zealand tourism thrives
January 19, 2017

New Zealand’s tourism industry is doing so well that the country is struggling to cope with the numbers of arrivals.

More than 3.4 million visitors arrived in New Zealand in 2015/16, a record number set to be exceeded this year. With New Zealand’s population numbering just 4.74 million, tourists arrivals equated to over 70% of the New Zealand population.

With total annual tourism revenue in New Zealand growing from $28 billion to $34.7 billion in just two years, Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Chris Roberts acknowledges “that there is rising public and industry concern that tourism is growing faster than our ability to cope.”

Roberts adds “without a coordinated response from industry and central and local government, we risk being unable to fully capture the future potential of tourism and protect the long-term sustainability of our industry.”

A recent New Zealand Herald report mentioned problems caused by tourism: summer traffic jams around Auckland Airport infuriating residents; tourists fouling trails on the Coromandel peninsula southe ast of Auckland and poor driving by tourists leading to a spate of motor accidents.

As a result, 19% of New Zealanders, almost one in five, say they are worried about the impact of too many visitors.

Newly appointed New Zealand Tourism Minister (and Deputy Prime Minister) Paula Bennett is apparently considering new taxes on tourists to fund needed infrastructure.

Immediately prior to the resignation of former New Zealand Tourism Minister (and Prime Minister) John Key an independent group of New Zealand tourism leaders made up of the the chief executives of Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and Tourism Holdings called for the Government to create a National Tourism Infrastructure Levy, comprising a 2% national bed levy across the accommodation sector and a $5 increase to the ‘border levy’ (departure tax) which would raise $65 million a year from the industry.

Matching funds from the government would bring this to $130 million annually to fund local tourism infrastructure needs.

Charging more for overseas visitors to use national parks is another concept under discussion.

As New Zealand examines tourism, the honesty of the country’s famous and award-winning 100%

With 43% of monitored lakes in New Zealand now classed as polluted and groundwater nitrate levels are rising, to Water Action Initiative New Zealand (WAI), a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation, has also questioned the accuracy of the Pure New Zealand promotion.

Despite that, spending by international tourists is roaring ahead, having grown by almost 20% in 2016 on the previous year. Domestic tourism spending grew by 7.4% giving the sector a $3.8 billion increase on 2015. Tourism accounted for 5.6% of GDP with a direct contribution of $12.9 billion while directly employing 188,136 people - 7.5% of the total number of people employed in New Zealand.

Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.

16th January 2017 - ADVOCACY GROUP CALLS FOR AN END TO THE EXPLOITATION OF NEW ZEALAND’S RIVERS

9th January 2017 - RESEARCH SHOWS NEW ZEALANDERS SUPPORT TOURISM

19th December 2016 - BIG ISSUES FACING NEW TOURISM MINISTER 

2nd December 2016 - NEW ZEALAND TOURISM LEADERS PROPOSE NEW $130 MILLION TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FUND 

24th November 2016 - TOURISM BRINGING IN DOLLARS AND JOBS TO NEW ZEALAND

12th May 2016 - NEW ZEALAND TOURISM SET TO EXCEED 2025 GROWTH GOAL 


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Aussie Strength

Commercial gym equipment supplier Aussie Strength was wound up at the end of 2022.    .aussie p { padding:20px; }

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Chadson Engineering Pty Ltd

Australia’s leading manufacturer of horizontal and vertical media filters suited to all types of commercial pools, water playgrounds marine parks, aquaculture and zoos. They are an ideal…

read more

Aquatics / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

XBODY Australia Pty Ltd

PROVEN BUSINESS CONCEPTS WITH XBODY XBody’s goal is to see you and your EMS business succeed. That is why we don’t just sell equipment, we provide know-how, expert knowledge, business support…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Gladstone MRM

Gladstone Health & Leisure (Gladstone MRM Pty Ltd Australia) is a leading supplier of leisure management and fitness software and is endorsed by leading health and fitness professionals and…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology / Venues

 
 

Digonex

Digonex is a leading provider of customised dynamic pricing solutions to clients in arts and entertainment, sport, attractions, cultural institutions and retail sectors. Digonex’s technology is…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Ticketing

 
 

Sportybots

We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…

read more

Fitness / Play / Recreation / Sport / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business