Tourism is the largest and fastest-growing industry. This is not a surprise to New Zealand, as the numbers of both domestic and international tourists has increased by more than 30% over the past 10 years, making it not just the fastest-growing industry within New Zealand, but the nation’s top exporter. In the past 10 years, New Zealand has secured its position among the top destinations to visit, and that trend is predicted to grow. Ministry of Tourism statistics show that international tourist arrivals are expected to increase at an average rate of 2.5 percent per year in the coming five years. 2015 is predicted to increase the number of visitors from abroad up to 2.9 million. Maui Kayak Rental Bruce Basset, head of the department of research at the Ministry of Tourism, believes that because of the effects of the global economic downturn which is currently affecting New Zealand, growth in visitors is predicted to be about 2.5 percent in the year the year 2010. But, the increase in visitor numbers are expected to be as high as 6.5 percent in 2011, when the global economy is recovering from the recessionary effects as well. New Zealand experiences an increase in visitors due to the hosting the Rugby World Cup.
In a press release issued by the Tourism Industry Association, Tim Cossar said that there would be a variety of key trends that will impact on tourism in New Zealand tourism industry in 2010. One of them is the announcement by the Government in 2009 that they would invest an additional $20 million by the year 2010, in order to boost international marketing efforts that promote New Zealand as a tourist destination. Kayak Rentals Maui It was noted that a large portion of the spending will be geared towards four main generating regions which include Australia and the UK/Europe region, China and the USA. Another promise for future expansion of the market in New Zealand is realized, thanks to the promise of $5 million that will be used for joint marketing ventures with Tourism New Zealand and the private sector and tourist boards in regional areas.
Tim Hunter, the acting Director of Tourism New Zealand, also stressed the importance of this initiative to enhance the image of New Zealand as a domestic and international destination to boost visitor numbers. Concerns about the shortage of skilled and experienced personnel in the tourism industry have been a source of concern. Policy was developed to address these issues, like the creation of the Tourism Workforce Strategy and training and development, which has had varying success. In addition, several regional and local councils have taken a step further by modifying the framework of national policy and implementing their own strategies for workforce development in the tourism sector. Any attempts to increase the tourist numbers are creating more problems for the shortage.
As a result higher education institutions that offer the necessary qualifications and education in travel and tourism have seen an increase in demands from students wanting to make a successful career path in tourism and travel. New Zealand travel and hospitality industry. This is evident through the preparations needed to ensure a competent team to prepare for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in 2011. To meet the growing demands for staff in the tourism industry during this time of high demand The Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with Tourism Industry Association, is investing $440,000 to offer training in the most essential qualifications needed by those looking to find jobs in the tourism industry. The purpose of the initiative is to provide training for an additional 10,000 employees who are expected to be needed by different businesses within the tourism sector prior to and during and during the Rugby World Cup. One thing that stands out about tourism, which demands qualified and knowledgeable staff to help promote the experience of tourists and to enhance the experience of tourists, is that the people working in this industry are the “face of New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality industry. They are the bridge between visitors and the many tourist attractions in New Zealand.
Finding the appropriate people in the correct posts is vital to ensure positive tourism experiences. TIA director of operations Tim Cossar believes that the initiative aims to establish an industry-wide acceptance and recognition of standards that allow individuals to start their journey into the field of tourism education. Steve Hanrahan, from the Hospitality Standards Institute, expects this initiative to draw around 1500 to 2000 people to successfully train to work in the industry of hospitality and tourism every year. Although there is some uncertainty regarding the people who will teach those courses, the polytechnics as well as private colleges have been cited as being the most suitable to provide the courses across the nation.
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