Articles tagged with Tourism
Kiwi Exports to EU Surge $3 Billion in Two Years Boosting NZ Economy
4 days ago | 107 viewsKiwi exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years following the New Zealand-EU Free Trade Agreement, boosting the economy and supporting jobs nationwide. Key export gains include significant increases in butter, meat, industrial goods, and tourism, with total goods exports up 35% to $6.7 billion and services exports up 11% to $2 billion in the year to December 2025. This growth exceeds expectations, strengthens regional economies, and reinforces the EU as a vital trading partner for New Zealand amid global uncertainty.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement Kiwi exports trade economy dairy meat tourismGovernment Invests $800K to Repair NZ Great Ride Cycle Trails After Storms
1 week ago | 164 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing over $800,000 to repair storm damage on three Great Ride cycle trails and provide marketing funds to support regional tourism recovery. Significant repairs include $300,000 for the Hauraki Rail Trail, $110,000 for the Waikato River Trail, and nearly $427,000 for Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, which contributes $34 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, targeted marketing funding aims to rebuild visitor confidence following severe weather events, reinforcing the partnership between central and local governments and supporting ongoing tourism and economic benefits.
Tags: Louise Upston Hauraki Rail Trail Waikato River Trail Tasman’s Great Taste Trail Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Government Tourism and Hospitality Bay of Plenty Coromandel New Zealand Cycle TrailsNew Zealand Tourism Surges with Record International Visitors in 2026
3 weeks ago | 256 viewsNew Zealand’s international visitor numbers continue to rise, with strong growth from China during Chinese New Year and a total of over 408,000 visitors in February 2026, marking significant recovery towards pre-COVID levels. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights that increased arrivals, including 1.54 million from Australia and a 214% rise in Chinese visitors due to eased travel requirements, support economic growth, jobs, and communities nationwide. The government’s ongoing support through promotional funding and partnerships aims to sustain this positive trend despite challenges like the fuel crisis.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand China Australia Stats NZ NZeTA Tourism Hospitality Government COVIDNew Zealand Cruise Forum 2026: Strengthening the Cruise Industry and Visitor Experience
3 weeks ago | 209 viewsThe second joint Government and industry Cruise Forum will be held to strengthen New Zealand’s position as a leading cruise destination by addressing challenges and fostering collaboration. The cruise sector significantly contributes $1.37 billion to the economy but faces volatility from global trends, prompting efforts in regulatory coordination, biofouling management, and port infrastructure investment. Additionally, Tourism Minister Louise Upston will promote New Zealand at the Seatrade Cruise Global event to enhance international engagement and showcase the country’s hospitality.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Cruise Forum Seatrade Cruise Global Wellington Government cruise sector industry representatives MiamiNew Zealand Hosts International Football Festival Featuring Tottenham Hotspur at Eden Park
1 month ago | 237 viewsNew Zealand will host the inaugural International Football Festival, featuring Tottenham Hotspur playing Auckland FC at Eden Park on July 26, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. The event marks the first English top-flight men’s club match in New Zealand since 2014 and includes a week of immersive football experiences, boosting local tourism and the economy. Tickets start at $19 for children and $39 for adults, with the festival also aiming to showcase New Zealand as a premier global destination for sport and entertainment.
Tags: New Zealand Tottenham Hotspur Auckland FC Eden Park Louise Upston International Football Festival Major Events and Tourism Package Premier League Spurs Tourism and Hospitality MinisterShaping New Zealand Tourism 2050: Growth, Sustainability, and System Reform
1 month ago | 390 viewsThe speech highlights New Zealand's efforts to sustainably grow its tourism sector through initiatives like the Regional Events Promotion Fund, Major Events and Tourism Package, and investments in infrastructure such as cycle trails and the New Zealand International Convention Centre. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated national leadership, streamlined regional collaboration, and long-term investment to support tourism as a strategic national asset, culminating in the upcoming Tourism Policy Statement to provide clear direction and governance. The government aims to balance boosting visitor demand with enhancing supply capacity, ensuring growth benefits both visitors and New Zealand communities while protecting unique local experiences.
Tags: John Glover Susan Houge Mackenzie Otago Tourism Policy School New Zealand Tourism Growth Roadmap Tourism System Review Tourism Policy Statement Michelin Guide Regional Events Promotion Fund 2026 Hospitality SummitRestoration Proposals Open for Historic Chateau Tongariro in National Park
1 month ago | 2089 viewsThe Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) opening on 19 March 2026 to find experienced operators to restore and manage the historic Chateau Tongariro and its associated buildings. The proposals must balance commercial viability with heritage conservation, respect for tangata whenua aspirations, and the cultural significance of Tongariro National Park. The selection panel will evaluate submissions to ensure the restoration supports tourism, local businesses, and aligns with the park's values, with no guarantee of concession awarded.
Tags: Chateau Tongariro Tama Potaka Tongariro National Park New Zealand Conservation Minister heritage restoration tourism tangata whenua Department of Conservation RFP 2026Robbie Williams BRITPOP World Tour Hits Auckland & Christchurch This November
1 month ago | 372 viewsRobbie Williams will perform two New Zealand shows in November as part of his BRITPOP world tour, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the significant economic benefits concerts bring, including increased tourism and local business revenue, and emphasizes the importance of government investment to attract major international acts. This initiative aims to boost New Zealand’s global competitiveness in hosting large-scale cultural and sporting events, contributing to a strong tourism and hospitality sector in 2026.
Tags: Robbie Williams Louise Upston BRITPOP Eden Park One New Zealand Stadium New Zealand Major Events and Tourism Package Linkin Park Ultra Music Festival FIFA World SeriesNZ Hospitality Summit 2026: Boosting Economy and Supporting Industry Growth
1 month ago | 358 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 industryNew Zealand’s Trade Hits $61.2B in Q4 with Strong Export Growth
2 months ago | 394 viewsNew Zealand's international trade statistics reveal strong export growth, reaching $29.2 billion in the December quarter, driven by key sectors like dairy, tourism, and meat. Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay highlights the importance of open markets, strong trading relationships, and government support in sustaining this success amid global economic uncertainty. The government remains committed to enhancing trade by reducing barriers, expanding free trade agreements, and empowering exporters to drive economic growth and job creation.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi exporters international trade dairy exports tourism meat exports trade statistics free trade agreements New Zealand economyInternational Visitors Boost New Zealand Tourism with $12.5B Spend in 2025
2 months ago | 429 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 months ago | 438 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
2 months ago | 448 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
2 months ago | 463 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 Police Move-On Powers Boost Safety in Auckland City Centre
2 months ago | 378 viewsThe Government has introduced new move-on powers for Police as part of its Auckland city centre action plan to address antisocial behaviour and enhance safety, making the CBD a welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors. Progress includes housing 146 people through the Housing First initiative, a significant drop in crime victimisations, improved police presence, and infrastructure upgrades like better lighting and cameras. With major developments like the International Convention Centre and City Rail Link underway, the Government emphasizes a balanced approach of support and accountability to ensure Auckland’s city centre remains safe and vibrant.
Tags: Simeon Brown Auckland Police Housing First Auckland Council City Rail Link International Convention Centre Government CBD Tourism