10% tourism drop predicted

By Phil Boeyen, ShareChat Business News Editor

Wednesday 26th September 2001

Tourism operators are picking a 10% drop in international visitors in the wake of the US terrorist attacks.

Industry representatives, who have formed a Tourism Action Group, say the 10% estimate applies to the last three months of the year and has been formulated based on feedback from Tourism New Zealand's offshore posts.

The group met Wednesday to look at ways of minimising the international impact on the country's tourism industry and one approach will be to try and maximise the short-haul visitor potential, particularly the Australian market

It also says the industry should explore the potential for New Zealand, Australia and Fiji to work together on regional marketing opportunities, pursue opportunities in markets that see New Zealand as a safe and alternative destination, and encourage domestic tourism.

The group is now asking Tourism New Zealand to gather more information over the next few weeks, including forward booking details from airlines and offshore wholesalers, to help it make predictions for the future based on firm numbers.

"This information will be critical for us," says Tourism New Zealand chief George Hickton. "Any decisions we make to explore the opportunities raised at today's meeting need to based on solid information".

Tourism Minister Mark Burton says he is encouraged by the determination of the tourism industry to act collaboratively and has promised to work closely with the group over the coming weeks.

The Tourism Action Group was formed last week following an urgent meeting of tourism leaders convened by Tourism New Zealand. It is made up of heads the heads of Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Industry Association and the Inbound Tour Operators Council.

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