NZ PM: Aussie market strong "but could do better"
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has spoken of the strengths of the Australian market and warned against the risk of being “seduced” by the growth out of China.
Speaking to Travel Today at TRENZ in Auckland yesterday, the PM, who is also New Zealand’s tourism minister, said the demand in Australia for activity-based product represented the biggest opportunity for the NZ tourism industry.
Australians view NZ as they do Tasmania, such is the “convenience” and familiarity between the two nations, he suggested.
“Australia is a different from our long haul markets,” Key said during an interview with select international media, including Travel Today. “It has been a great market but it’s very tailored around particular activities.
“New Zealand is such an Australasian market. Every day of the week, New Zealanders fly to Australia for a business meeting or they go shopping for a weekend and it’s the same for Australians coming here.
"They fly Friday night and back Sunday evening. They see it as they might do Tasmania. It’s a slightly longer flight but not that much different. It’s convenient.”
NZ’s ski slopes are a particular draw, the PM said, while Aussies are also travelling to play golf and, increasingly, jetting across the Tasman to use the country’s growing network of cycleways, a NZ$100 million project which is nearing completion.
“Forward bookings for the ski season are apparently massive even before we start the marketing campaign,” Key said.
But while strong, the Australian market “can always do better”, he said, with the number of arrivals influenced by economic conditions.
“Generally speaking it’s a very good market, and it depends on what happens with the Australian economy. If things slow down then we might see more Australians coming to New Zealand because they may take slightly cheaper trips,” he said.
Meanwhile, Key warned that while China remained a growth market, a cautious approach was needed. He also threw his support behind new regulations which have clamped down on the sale of cheap, but shoddy tours.
“China is growing, but like everything in China, it’s very easy to be seduced by the numbers because they are all large,” the PM said. “They had 92 million travellers last year but when you cut it down 52 million of them went to HK so you’ve got to be cautious.
“But we do see a very significant increase in both the number and value of travellers from China. We have been very supportive of the change to travel tourism laws which we regard as consumer protection laws.
“A lot of people were coming to New Zealand on these cheap and cheerful trips. They were here for four days at best, saw limited amounts of NZ and their trip was engineered in such a way that they never got to a proper shop and paid three or four times as much for goods that weren’t necessarily made in NZ. All that did was damage New Zealand’s reputation.
“We’d far rather have less people coming for a better quality experience.”
Key said the Chinese traveller was also changing with a younger demographic leaning towards luxury product.
“We are quite confident about that market but we do need to think about how we are going to tailor the product and how we market that product.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.