show report NEW ZEALAND TRENZ 2012
Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ) 2012 was held at the Queenstown Events Centre (May 7-10). Wendy Gomersall rounds up the top stories
UK tourists still love New Zealand
The UK remains New Zealand’s second-most important market, despite falling visitor numbers. The country received 222,152 visitors
from the UK in the year ending March 2012, a 1% growth on paper but a drop when factoring in the Rugby World Cup. Kevin Bowler, Chief Executive of
Tourism New Zealand, said “From the beginning of the global financial crisis, in the 2007-08 period, we really saw the UK market weakening. “Of course, New Zealand’s a long way;
it’s an expensive journey, one you need a bit time for, and our currency’s stronger, too. The departure tax is another expense people face. “Whether we can make the UK
market grow in the next two or three years is a hard one to answer, but it’s still very, very important to us.” UK tour operators however are reporting signs of life.
“Most want to
visit New Zealand – it’s a question of converting
that interest into bookings”
BEN COLEBRIDGE, Audley Travel From the show floor
KAREN JOYCE Regional Product & Contracting Manager Austravel
“New Zealand always comes out as the number one or two place people want to travel to. “For us, the average stay for clients
has steadily increased over the past five years or so, and now it’s up to around 18 nights. “The time between booking and
“Overall UK numbers are down, but
we have actually seen growth in the last couple of years,” said Karen Joyce, Regional Product & Contracting Manager with Austravel. “We’re bucking the trend and actually looking for more staff,” said Ben
Colbridge, New Zealand Regional Manager, Audley Travel. Upcoming attractions predicted to
boost interest include the Hobbit films and the New Zealand Cycle Trail, featuring 18 Great Rides totalling 2,500kms.
www.newzealand.com
Christchurch has Tourism looks for Hobbit boost New Zealand is hoping for an invasion
recovery plan A blueprint for the redevelopment of
central Christchurch, devastated by an earthquake last February, is due to be released this month (July). “With the right vision, we can become
one of the greatest cities in the world,” said Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter. Meanwhile tourists, including Brits,
have not been put off coming. “For the year ending September 2011,
47% of all visitors have continued to spend a night in Canterbury as part of their New Zealand stay, against 56% a year before,” said Hunter.
14 July/August 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
of ‘Ring-ons’ – fans of Lord of the Rings – with the forthcoming release of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit. Two new films based on JRR Tolkien’s
book are being shot in the country by Jackson, whose LOTR trilogy also showcased its stunning landscapes. Revealing a new slogan, ‘100% Middle-
Earth, 100% Pure New Zealand’, at TRENZ, reflecting a collaboration between Tourism New Zealand and the films, Catherine Bales of TNZ said The Hobbit will provide plenty of good leverage opportunities. Products already include the Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata. Representing the
travelling is shorter; because of financial considerations, people have waited to decide if they’re going to go although that has started to change in the last few months – forward bookings are up to where they were five years ago, which is good news.”
GREGG ANDERSON General Manager – Western Long Haul Markets, Tourism NZ
venture, Russell Alexander said it would attract a predicted 150,000 visitors a year, bring in $NZ18.9 million and creating 132 jobs. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will premiere in Wellington in December.
“UK numbers are down generally but it’s a mixed story. Some sectors are up, such as those clients primarily visiting friends and family, but they’re spending less time travelling around. “This is where a travel professional
adds value, making sure their clients make the most of their time and budget and do experiences that fit their interests.”
BEN COLEBRIDGE New Zealand Regional Manager, Audley Travel “Most people want to
visit New Zealand so it’s a question of converting that wish into a booking. I manage a team of seven specialists and that really comes over. We’re swamped, to be honest!”
DESTINATION QUEENSTOWN
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