Inbound operators meeting tourism challenges

Inbound operators meeting tourism challenges

The increase in GST and gaining concessions for access to the public conservation estate are among the current challenges facing inbound tour operators, their president says.

Speaking at the Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC) conference in Blenheim, president Brian Henderson also highlighted the demise of the Ministry of Tourism.

“Currently having the Prime Minister also as our Minister of Tourism is great for tourism. While we have had some concerns about the future voice of tourism under the new structure, we have been assured that it will offer opportunities. A presentation at the conference by Liz McPherson, Deputy Secretary, Tourism, Events and Consumer Affairs for the Ministry of Economic Development has given us confidence that the new structure will allow us to widen our influence in government circles.”

The very short lead time for the introduction of the GST increase had created a diverse range of advice on how best to implement the change. Many inbound tour operators would have to comply with their contracts with offshore buyers and would have to absorb at least some of the costs of the increase.

“The fact that customer relationships are important and that tourism is the only export industry that pays GST still appears not to be understood by many in the political arena,” Mr Henderson said.

ITOC and the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) had met with a member of the GST Advisory Panel but it was difficult to see what relief they could offer ITOC members at this late stage.

However, considerable progress had been made in negotiations with the Department of Conservation over allowing coaches on public conservation lands. The Bus and Coach Association, with support from ITOC, had secured a workable deal, Mr Henderson said.
ITOC would now negotiate for a concession that allowed tour escorts or guides to accompany their groups on short walks within the conservation estate.

“Despite everything the world can throw at us, the tourism industry and ITOC appears strong and although times are still tough, we are ready to give all visitors to New Zealand a quality and rewarding visit,” Mr Henderson said.

ITOC represents New Zealand tour operators and suppliers who handle a large share of New Zealand’s inbound tourism business.

Mr Henderson was re-elected as president at ITOC’s annual meeting. Martin Horgan of Southern World NZ and Stewart Brown of Ngai Tahu Tourism were elected vice-presidents.

ITOC Board elected for 2010-11
Representing Full Member Tour Operators:
• Anna Black, General Manager, General Travel Group, Auckland
• Dominic Cheng, Director, Winchester Travel, Auckland
• Stephen Eccleston, Senior Contract Manager NZ, GTA by Travelport, Auckland
• Michael Hall, General Manager, Southern Travelnet, Auckland
• Brian Henderson, Chief Executive, Tourmasters South Pacific, Auckland
• Martin Horgan, Managing Director, Southern World NZ, Christchurch
• Stuart Neels, Managing Director, ATS Pacific, Auckland
• Geoff Yee, Managing Director, GSN Pacific, Auckland
Representing Allied Supplier Members:
• Accommodation sector ¬– Scott Wallace, Director of Operations-South Island, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Christchurch
• Attractions and activities sector – Stewart Brown, Central North Island Regional General Manager, Ngai Tahu Tourism, Rotorua
• Transport sector – Vance Boyd, Managing Director, Kiwi Discovery, Queenstown
Co-opted Board members:
• Grant Lilly, Regional General Manager NZ & Pacific, Qantas Airways
• Jenny Simpson, Tourism Partnership Manager, Air New Zealand

ENDS

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