Articles tagged with Hospitality
New Zealand Tourism Booms with 6% More Visitors and $12.3B Spend in 2025
2 weeks ago | 93 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 weeks ago | 116 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
1 month ago | 163 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
1 month ago | 186 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 PlanetDiscover the Southern Way: $393K Campaign to Showcase Authentic Hospitality in Lower South Island
1 month ago | 197 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.
Tags: Great South campaign Southern Way international visitors Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston lower South Island regional partners Australian travellers Gold CoastRotoruaNZ Receives $4.5M Boost for International Campaigns
1 month ago | 156 viewsRotoruaNZ will receive over $4.5 million for two campaigns promoting the region's geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and hospitality to international visitors. The "North Island x Ctrip" campaign targets travelers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, while the "Kiwi North" campaign focuses on attracting visitors from Australia's eastern seaboard. These initiatives aim to showcase the diverse experiences across the North Island, support local businesses, and enhance the region's reputation as a must-visit destination, funded by the Regional Tourism Boost as part of the Government's Major Events and Tourism Package.
Tags: RotoruaNZ Louise Upston Tourism Hospitality Minister North Island Ctrip China Japan South Korea AustraliaRegional New Zealand Boosted by $5.9M Investment to Attract International Visitors in 2026
1 month ago | 171 viewsThe Government's Regional Tourism Boost will invest $5.9 million to attract more international visitors to regional New Zealand in 2026, aiming to showcase diverse experiences and boost regional economies. Three Regional Tourism Organisations will launch campaigns targeting visitors from Australia and East Asia, featuring tailored offers and fresh itineraries to highlight unique attractions. The campaigns will focus on promoting regional hospitality, encouraging longer stays, and fostering lasting connections with international travelers, as part of a broader effort to support New Zealand's tourism industry.
Tags: Louise Upston Regional Tourism Boost New Zealand Tourism Hospitality RotoruaNZ WellingtonNZ Great South Australia East AsiaNew Zealand Welcomes Michelin Guide, Showcasing Culinary Excellence and Boosting Tourism Growth
1 month ago | 203 viewsNew Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.
Tags: New Zealand Michelin Guide Tourism Hospitality Minister Louise Upston Oceania Cuisine International visitors Culinary centers Hospitality sectorCarnival Adventure to Homeport in Auckland Boosting Cruise Tourism Growth
1 month ago | 212 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is excited about Carnival Adventure's return to homeporting in Auckland for the 2027 winter season, marking the first ship to do so since 2023. This move signifies confidence in New Zealand's tourism sector, bringing more visitors, jobs, and opportunities for local businesses. The Government's support for cruise tourism, including infrastructure development and regulatory clarity, demonstrates a commitment to fostering the sector's growth and ensuring New Zealand remains open for business.
Tags: Louise Upston Carnival Auckland Tourism Hospitality Cruise industry New Zealand Cruise visitors Port of Auckland BiofoulingNew Zealand Hospitality Industry Undergoes Sector Review for Regulatory Improvements
2 months ago | 237 viewsThe hospitality industry in New Zealand, employing 145,000 people, is crucial for economic growth. The Ministry for Regulation is conducting a sector review to address regulatory costs hindering affordable services for Kiwis, focusing on restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels. The review aims to streamline regulations, cut red tape, reduce costs, and improve compliance to support the industry's recovery and growth.
Tags: hospitality industry New Zealand Ministry for Regulation David Seymour Louise Upston regulations red tape restaurants bars cafesOpportunities Abound with NZICC Opening: Minister Upston & MSD Collaborate for Job Seekers
2 months ago | 278 viewsMinister Louise Upston highlights the job opportunities arising from the upcoming opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland, emphasizing the partnership between the Ministry of Social Development and the centre to fill various roles. The convention space is expected to boost the tourism sector by hosting live events and conferences, creating job prospects in events and hospitality. The collaboration between MSD, NZICC, and other employers aims to provide skilled local employees for the tourism industry, with a focus on assisting job seekers in transitioning into new roles effectively.
Tags: Louise Upston Minister of Social Development New Zealand International Convention Centre Auckland job seekers events hospitality tourism sector tourism jobs MSDNew Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) Opening Sparks Job Opportunities for Auckland Job Seekers
2 months ago | 308 viewsMinister Louise Upston highlights the job opportunities presented by the upcoming opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland in February 2026. The Ministry of Social Development is collaborating with SkyCity to fill various roles required for the NZICC. The NZICC is expected to enhance New Zealand's infrastructure, attracting live events, conferences, and exhibitions, creating job opportunities in sectors like tourism and hospitality.
Tags: Louise Upston Minister of Social Development New Zealand International Convention Centre NZICC Auckland job seekers tourism hospitality MSD SkyCityNew Zealand's Cruise Season 2025-2026: Minister Upston Welcomes Strong Opening
2 months ago | 381 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the start of New Zealand's cruise season, expecting 177,000 visitors from nearly 40 ships for the 2025-2026 season. Efforts have been made to address operational concerns of cruise operators, including managing biofouling, clarifying regulatory costs, and streamlining infrastructure approvals. Upston is leading initiatives to support innovation and growth in the cruise sector, aiming to maximize its economic impact and maintain positive relationships with international cruise lines.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Hospitality Minister New Zealand Cruise season Government Industry Biofouling Port of Auckland Innovation.New Zealand Tourism Minister Leads Trade Mission to Strengthen China Relations
3 months ago | 348 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston will lead an industry delegation on a tourism-focused trade mission to China, visiting Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing to meet with Chinese airlines, e-commerce platforms, and tourism professionals. The mission aims to promote New Zealand's tourism sector, understand the Chinese market, and strengthen the relationship with China as it is New Zealand's third largest tourism market. Efforts include facilitating Chinese visitors' entry to New Zealand and fostering economic growth through tourism, friendship connections, and trade relationships.
Tags: Louise Upston China Tourism Hospitality Minister of Culture and Tourism New Zealand Trade mission Chinese market Aviation AccommodationGovernment Injects $50k for Nelson Tasman Tourism Recovery
3 months ago | 392 viewsThe Government is providing $50k to Nelson Tasman for domestic tourism marketing to support local businesses impacted by severe weather events, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Nearly 70% of tourism and hospitality businesses in the region have suffered revenue losses due to cancellations and a drop in visitors. The funding will be used for a domestic marketing campaign to promote tourism in Nelson Tasman, emphasizing its importance for the local economy and encouraging visitors to explore the region.
Tags: Government Nelson Tasman domestic tourism marketing local businesses severe weather events Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston funding tourism industry