“Unique hospitality” key to Tourism New Zealand’s 2019 success
While attending AIME 2019 last week in Melbourne, The Nibbler caught up with Tourism New Zealand’s general manager for Australia, Andrew Waddel, over a delicious Kiwi breakfast.
What is the key focus for Tourism New Zealand as a destination in 2019 from both a leisure and corporate travel point of view?
We’re super-excited about telling the story of New Zealand as a destination for both holiday and for business. At the heart of this story is that despite being close neighbours [with Australia], we’re worlds apart. New Zealand’s easy to get to (being just over a three-hour flight away), has great air connectivity, a competitive trans-Tasman market and is an affordable destination. At the same time, the visitor gets a very unique experience compared to other Australian domestic destinations, especially when you encounter New Zealand’s people and place.
For both business and holiday travel, what is the same is New Zealand’s unique hospitality, and this is a key focus in 2019. New Zealanders have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming, which comes from the indigenous value called manaakitanga. It is what all New Zealanders share – extending respect and hospitality to visitors. Loosely translated as hospitality, manaakitanga plays a key role in Māori society and inspires the New Zealand visitor experience – summing up the act of welcoming and sharing. A simple example of this is hosting the breakfast at AIME with friends, partners and buyers alike (see below photos). The focus was on the food, the experience and the people attending, all who arrived as visitors and left as whanau, or family. It was evident in the fact all returned to our stand later in the day to chat further, some to enjoy a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and cheese to reflect on a great day.
What is the challenges Tourism New Zealand faces over the next 12 months and beyond?
We’re aware of some potential headwinds in the next 12 months, whether they be from the dynamic political and economic challenges, through to pressures on Australian consumer and business spending. We like to turn headwinds into tailwinds, and there are many consumer and travel trends that are swinging in our favour, both from an industry and New Zealand destination perspective. We know that travellers are looking for a range of experiences and diversity of culture and when they are choosing their destination of choice they want proximity and value. As a short-haul destination, New Zealand is set to benefit. Australians are taking more frequent holiday and business trips, and we are well-placed to get a greater share of Australian domestic and outbound travel and spend.
While it is going to be fiercely competitive, it has always been, and that excites us. New Zealand is a place that’s innovative and progressive, and we enjoy unlocking possibilities through the unique talent we have, the stories as can share and the strength of partnerships we have. Combining this means we regularly punch above our weight and make our mark on the leisure and business marketplace. The challenge continues to motivate us, and as we are easy and enjoyable to work with our partners are motivated as well.
New Zealand is renowned for its scientific innovation and research, and is increasingly becoming recognised as a preferred location for scientific conferences and business events with superb service and support, world-leading knowledge hubs, and one-of-a-kind locations that incorporate business facilities, culture, entertainment, and cuisine.
As an example, Tourism New Zealand has helped New Zealand’s science community to secure 112 science-related conferences, adding $138 million to the economy. Several of these conferences have never been held in the Southern Hemisphere before. We are replicating this success across many different sectors and categories.
What does the travel industry need to do a better job of?
So much of what we do is about getting people to travel and the activities they book on the ground. What is clear is that consumers want so much more from their travel and from a destination. They want an immersive experience, with deep human connections that leaves a positive mark on themselves and the destination. The industry has a focus on generating a vibrant travel market, and it also has a responsibility to ensure the visitor experience and community impacted is prioritised in a way that enriches everyone and benefits the next generation.
Recently, New Zealand’s tourism industry launched a major initiative – an international visitor pledge, inviting visitors to care for its land and environment.
The initiative, Tiaki Promise, encourages visitors to experience New Zealand in a way that keeps them safe, protects the natural environment, respects all cultures and preserves the country for future generations. The joint venture between the public and private sectors includes Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, Local Government New Zealand, New Zealand Māori Tourism, Tourism Holdings, and Tourism Industry Aotearoa partnering to roll out the visitor pledge.
What is Tourism New Zealand’s biggest opportunity?
The Australian corporate and association markets remain a key focus for Tourism New Zealand in 2019. There is great potential to grow the value of the New Zealand business events sector. Hosting a conference in New Zealand is as easy as hosting it at home in Australia due to ease of connectivity, and a key focus of our work this year will be around educating the Australian market on this.
From a leisure point of view, the biggest opportunity for trans-Tasman travellers is our ‘ski campaign’ – a winter holiday in New Zealand offers the benefit of close proximity and easy access to other adventure and social activities. We already know about this sector that ski visitors provide a tourism boost in winter, particularly to the South Island and tend to come back, with a 54 per cent return rate.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
AIME 2019 Andrew Waddel tourism new zealandLatest News
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.