Articles tagged with Hospitality
Govt.nz App Update: New Digital Wallet and Secure Messaging Features Coming Soon
20 hours ago | 57 viewsThe Govt. nz app will soon offer new digital features, including a digital wallet for storing accredited credentials from government and private sectors, supported by the Government Credential Issuance Platform. Hospitality New Zealand is collaborating to introduce a digital Kiwi Access Card for age verification, enhancing convenience and security without physical cards. By July 2026, secure messaging will enable direct communication from government agencies, while app use remains voluntary alongside existing service channels.
Tags: Govt. nz app Judith Collins digital identity digital wallet Government Credential Issuance Platform Hospitality New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Kiwi Access Card New Zealand government servicesNew Bill to Reform NZ Alcohol Laws Boosts Hospitality and Reduces Red Tape
4 days ago | 52 viewsA new Bill has been introduced in New Zealand to simplify and reform alcohol laws, reducing bureaucratic red tape and supporting economic growth, particularly benefiting the hospitality sector. Key changes include streamlining licensing processes, allowing extended hours for major events, permitting clubs and certain restaurants to serve alcohol more flexibly, and exempting hairdressers and barbers from onerous licensing requirements. The reforms aim to balance responsible adult choice with harm reduction, with further improvements expected following ongoing sector consultations and regulatory reviews.
Tags: Nicole McKee David Seymour New Zealand Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill alcohol laws reform hospitality sector Ministry for Regulation Rugby World Cup hairdressing and barbering licensed premisesNZ Hospitality Summit 2026: Boosting Economy and Supporting Industry Growth
1 week ago | 127 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized the hospitality industry's significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy, generating over $9 billion in GDP and shaping visitor experiences. Since the first Hospitality Summit in 2024, the government has collaborated with the industry by introducing the Michelin Guide, investing in regional tourism, supporting major events, and reviewing regulations. The 2026 Summit focused on reflecting progress and planning practical steps to build a strong, resilient hospitality sector through continued partnership between government and industry.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hospitality Summit 2026 New Zealand economy Hospitality New Zealand Restaurant Association Michelin Guide Hospitality Sector Review Regional tourism Hospitality industryInternational Visitors Boost New Zealand Tourism with $12.5B Spend in 2025
2 weeks ago | 165 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are rapidly returning, with tourism contributing $12.5 billion to the economy for the year ending December 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers have reached 90% of 2019 levels, with spending per visitor and daily spending both rising, boosting local businesses and jobs. The government aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034, highlighting the sector’s importance as New Zealand’s second-largest export earner.
Tags: New Zealand international visitors tourism visitor spend Louise Upston Australia United States hospitality MBIE tourism exportsNew Zealand Tourism Hits $46.6B in Spending, Boosts Jobs and Economy
2 weeks ago | 162 viewsNew Zealand’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total expenditure reaching $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven by a 7% increase in overseas visitor spending and arrivals. Tourism employment rose by 2.8% to 327,888 people, representing one in nine jobs, and tourism contributes 7.7% of GDP as the country's second highest export. The Government supports this growth through initiatives like the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and easing visitor visa requirements, aiming to boost regional economies and sustain long-term development.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Stats NZ Tourism Satellite Account NZeTA Government Tourism and Hospitality Minister Tourism sector Overseas visitors Major Events and Tourism PackageGovernment Invests $200K to Boost Waimate Trail Tourism and Local Growth
3 weeks ago | 205 viewsThe Government is investing $200,000 to complete stage one of the 67km Waimate Trail, a project that highlights South Canterbury's unique landscapes and supports local tourism. This funding, part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, will finish the 13km stretch from Waimate to Waihao Forks, with the local community having already raised 80% of the needed funds. The trail aims to boost regional economic growth by attracting visitors and connecting with existing track networks, with completion expected by late April or May.
Tags: Louise Upston Waimate Trail South Canterbury Tourism Government Waihao Forks Major Events and Tourism Package Local Tourism Economic Growth Hospitality MinisterNew Insights Reveal Why and How New Zealanders Travel Domestically in 2025
3 weeks ago | 223 viewsThe new Domestic Visitor Survey, conducted in late 2025, reveals that three in five New Zealanders took overnight trips and nearly half took day trips in the previous six months, with main motivations being visiting family and relaxation. Domestic tourism accounts for about 60% of New Zealand's tourism expenditure, making these insights crucial for industry planning and responding to travel trends, especially as international visitor numbers recover post-COVID. The survey highlights high trip satisfaction, common planning methods, and barriers like cost and weather, with further data releases planned to support ongoing tourism development.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Domestic Visitor Survey Tourism Hospitality Verian Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre Covid CensusNew Zealand Tourism Surges in 2025 with Strong Growth from China and Australia
1 month ago | 304 viewsNew Zealand’s international visitor arrivals surpassed 3.5 million in the year to December 2025, driven by strong growth from China and Australia, marking significant progress toward pre-COVID tourism levels. The Government supports this recovery through initiatives like promoting New Zealand as a year-round destination, streamlining travel processes, and introducing the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for easier access, which has notably encouraged Chinese and Pacific visitors. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasizes that these efforts are boosting economic growth, supporting jobs, and establishing New Zealand as a preferred holiday destination.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand China Australia Stats NZ NZeTA Pacific Island Forum Tourism Government HospitalityNew Zealand International Convention Centre Opens, Boosting Tourism and Events
1 month ago | 235 viewsThe New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), officially opened in Auckland, is the country’s largest venue for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment, with capacity for over 4,000 attendees. It is expected to significantly boost New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting major international events, creating jobs, and showcasing the country globally. Owned by SkyCity Entertainment Group in partnership with the government, the NZICC features state-of-the-art technology, sustainable design, and has already secured over 120 events for 2026.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand International Convention Centre NZICC SkyCity Entertainment Group Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists New Zealand Government Auckland Tourism and Hospitality Minister New ZealandGovernment Invests $250K to Upgrade Whakarewarewa Forest Loop in Rotorua
2 months ago | 338 viewsThe Government is investing $250,000 to upgrade the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Great Ride in Rotorua, enhancing safety by rerouting the trail away from a busy highway and extending it by six kilometres. This upgrade aims to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and improve the overall tourism experience in the region. The investment is part of a broader $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package focused on boosting regional tourism infrastructure.
Tags: Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Rotorua Louise Upston Government investment cycle trail tourism hospitality safety upgrade Major Events and Tourism Package RedwoodsNew Zealand Invests $3.69M to Boost Regional Tourism and Attract Visitors
2 months ago | 309 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $3.69 million through the Regional Tourism Boost to promote international visitors exploring regional areas beyond typical hotspots. Five targeted campaigns will attract tourists from the USA, Canada, and Australia to diverse regions, highlighting unique experiences like cycling, wine tasting, and local hospitality during quieter seasons. This initiative aims to support local businesses, create jobs, and ensure tourism benefits are shared across the country’s communities.
Tags: Louise Upston Tātaki Auckland Unlimited ChristchurchNZ Destination Great Lake Taupō Great South Hamilton & Waikato Tourism New Zealand Regional Tourism Boost Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hamilton AirportNew Zealand Tourism Booms with 6% More Visitors and $12.3B Spend in 2025
3 months ago | 483 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are increasing in number and spending more, driving significant growth in the tourism sector and economy, with total spending reaching $12.3 billion for the year ending September 2025. Visitor numbers rose to 3.43 million, reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels, boosted by higher-spending travelers, especially from the USA. The government supports this growth through the Tourism Growth Roadmap, aiming to double tourism export value by 2034 while enhancing visitor experiences and regional opportunities.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Tourism International Visitors USA MBIE Tourism Growth Roadmap Hospitality Economy Visitor SurveyNew Zealand Launches Te Haeata Certificate to Boost Business Events Workforce
3 months ago | 380 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing in the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) “Te Haeata,” an industry-led qualification designed to build a skilled workforce for the business events sector. This practical, online training program aims to address workforce shortages, support career pathways, and enhance the global competitiveness of New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Launching in early 2026, Te Haeata will also be introduced in high schools to attract and retain talent, promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
Tags: New Zealand Certificate in Business Events Te Haeata Louise Upston business events sector tourism hospitality workforce development career pathways sustainable growthNew Zealand’s Great Rides Boost Local Economy by $1.28 Billion in 2025
4 months ago | 469 viewsNew Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
Tags: Louise Upston Sir John Key New Zealand Great Rides Tourism Hospitality Ruapehu Dunedin International Visitor LevyClassic NZ Wine Trail Shines: Major Boost for Wellington and Partner Regions
4 months ago | 480 viewsWellingtonNZ and partner regions are promoting the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail internationally with a $991,000 campaign funded by the government. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of showcasing Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to attract more visitors to experience their wine, food, and unique attractions. The campaign aims to encourage travelers to explore beyond popular destinations and discover the diverse flavors and experiences offered along the trail.
Tags: WellingtonNZ partner regions Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Louise Upston Tourism and Hospitality Minister Wellington Wairarapa Hawke’s Bay Marlborough Lonely Planet