New Zealand celebrates the first anniversary since borders fully reopened on 31 July 2022 with Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Rebecca Ingram dubbing the year since a “rollercoaster” that has left the sector stronger.
“Tourism is not an island – it is connected to so many parts of our economy and our communities. The return of visitors made a difference to many New Zealanders,” she said of the NZ tourism recovery.
“What the last year has highlighted is the need to keep adjusting for a different kind of future.”
The milestone anniversary occurs as New Zealand’s May 2023 inbound arrivals reached 73 per cent of 2019 levels.
Of these inbound arrivals, 56,000 were holidaymakers, representing 60 per cent of pre-COVID levels to Aotearoa and a welcome boost for tourism recovery.
NZ tourism recovery
For many operators, the recovery was an opportunity to find new solutions and revise business plans.
Staff retention and recruitment are major issues amid travel demand and strong seasonality with tourism coming back quicker than expected.
Operators, such as Sudima Hotels, GO Rentals and Hobbiton, took the opportunity to experiment with new technology and innovations.
Ms Ingram said tourism is committed to rebuilding in a way that will benefit Aotearoa and New Zealanders.
“Indications are we are in for a good second summer of recovery. We have our eyes set on the longer term with much work underway to do our part to make positive impacts on the environment and communities we are part of,” she said.
“We’re proud of how the industry has held strong, with the support of Kiwis, and want to make sure we continue to boost Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Find out what happened at TIA’s TRENZ23 conference here.
