The Tourism Chat Show

We were so close to having a domestic cruise bubble in NZ - the health official had approved it, the ship had been chartered, and it was on its way with the crew.  And then NZ Immigration turned down 61 essential visas for most of the crew because they thought those roles could be filled by kiwis - yet only 6 (yes SIX) people applied! 

It has been an incredibly heart-breaking and frustrating time for an industry that has gone for 12 months without a cent of revenue - and despite what some of our ministers say, it is NOT EASY to 'pivot'.  

We go deep with the Chair of the NZ Cruise Association and all round cruise expert Debbie Summers to discuss what happened, what needs to happen and the damage that this may have done to NZ's reputation. 

It's a good one - pass it on to Minister Nash if you get an opportunity! 

Thanks for listening. 

#CruiseNZ #ImmigrationNZ #TourismNZ #DomesticTravel #domesticbubble #domesticcruising

www.destinatenz.com

This week Robin Censure from the South Pacific Pocket Guide joins us on the show.  The NZ Pocket Guide started over 8yrs ago and has grown to be NZ's largest online travel guide.  They have now expanded into the South Pacific with guides for Fiji, Tonga, Nuie and more! 

Listen in to hear how they work with governments and tourism bodies off-shore to help solve challenges like over-tourism in peak times, and how businesses in the South Pacific have embraced sustainability as part of their every day practices. 

We have a chat about the value of working holiday visas and Robin gives his views on what NZ should be doing now to promote this opportunity. 

To get in touch with Robin > https://nzpocketguide.com/contact-new-zealand-pocket-guide/

www.destinatenz.com 

#tourismmarketing #pocketguide #travelguide #travelguidenz #nztravel #nzmustdo #sustainabletravel 

What do you do when your business is made up of 96% international visitors and the borders close?  You innovate. 

Tune in to hear from Te Puia's GM Sales & Marketing Sean Marsh about how they've faired through lockdown and since and how a new product is helping to put them on the domestic visitor's map! 

www.tepuia.com

#tourismmarketing #pivotordie #reimagine #domestictourism #destinatenz #internationaltourism #productdevelopment 

www.destinatenz.com

The CEO of TECNZ (Tourism Export Council of NZ), Lynda Keene joins us on today's episode to discuss the Tourism Recovery Plan for 2021. 

Lynda has worked tirelessly as the voice for the inbound sector for the past 12 months during really demanding times, but has some great initiatives underway to advocate and lobby government on, on behalf of the TECNZ members. 

When will the borders reopen? How will the inbound operators survive?  What more can government do to help? 

Listen in for all the answers and much more. 

www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz 

#inboundtourism #distribution #export #tourismnz #NZtourism #Marketing #internationalmarketing #destinatenz #TECNZ 

www.destinatenz.com 

Jezza Williams from Makingtrax joins us on this week's episode. 

After a life changing canyoning accident in the Swiss Alps, Jezza looked into the adaptive adventure industry. Blown away at the lack of opportunities and infrastructure, Makingtrax was born.

Jezza talks to us about the difference between accessible and inclusive tourism and is creating a global movement to encourage more tourism operators to jump on board! 

His infectious personality and lust for life and growth will leave you with a huge smile, so listen in and enjoy this episode.  And if you haven't joined the Inclusive Tourism Movement yet, what are you waiting for? 

Contact Jezza: 

https://www.makingtrax.co.nz/

https://www.instagram.com/makingtrax.co.nz/

https://www.facebook.com/makingtrax.co.nz

Email: [email protected]

#inclusivetourism #accessibletourism #tourismmovement #tourismmarketing #jezzawilliams #destinatenz 

www.destinatenz.com 

This week, Loren Aberhart joins us on the show.  Loren is GM Destination and Attraction at Christchurch NZ, and it's fair to say she has a huge job! 

Loren has been called 'The Trifecta' - female, under 40 and Maori, but she's taken that in her stride as she's carved out a very successful career in tourism at a young age.  She's one of our industry's brightest sparks and we're thrilled to have her share her story on our show today.

She's also been through a lot in her career so join us as we discuss her career path to date, her passion for equality and diversity in the workplace and yes, we do mention her time spent on our TV set! (Loren was on The Block NZ 7 years ago)

We get serious about mental health and Loren shares her tips on how to cope and more importantly look after yourself in a crisis. 

Are there too many RTO's?  Listen in to hear our views, along with all the exciting things happening in Christchurch this summer. 

www.christchurchnz.com 

www.destinatenz.com 

#christchurchnz #regionalmarketing #regionaltourism #tourismmarketing #marketingnz #destinatenz #mentalhealth #wellbeing #reslience 

We are joined this week by two of our great friends, Anna Black from General Travel and Adele Marsden from New Zealand Educational Tours. 

2020 has been a pretty tumultuous year for tourism, and we thought it would be nice for our final episode of the year to look back on some of the highs and obvious lows, but also to look ahead to 2021 with our hopes and plans for the year ahead. 

Anna and Adele both own inbound tour operations so their business has been decimated by the border closures.  Despite that, they are still optimistic about the future of inbound tourism, and share some of their plans, and tips on what you can do to help them as a tourism business. 

We're taking a break next week and will be back with a brand new episode on 6th January 2021. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Meri Kirihimete! 

Michelle & Chambers 

www.destinatenz.com 

#inboundtourism #marketing #tourismmarketing #reflections #hopes #newyearsresolutions 

It's been a crazy year for tourism operators, but there is one going further than many others - by opening a BRAND NEW attraction in 2020! 

Jake Downing, Weta's Head of Tourism joins us for a chat to launch Weta Unleashed, a brand new Fantastical Film FX experience opening in Auckland on 15th December. 

He reflects on some of the challenges of opening a business in 2020 (Covid aside) and looks ahead to how this Part Film Set, Part Creative Workshop will help to transform the tourism landscape in Auckland. 

Thanks for listening.

https://wetaworkshopunleashed.com/

www.destinatenz.com 

#WetaWorkshop #WetaUnleashed #TourismAttraction #AucklandNZ #NZMustDo #DoSomethingNewNZ #Marketing #TourismMarketing 

This week we're joined by Keith Marsh - an absolute expert in selling NZ and Australia to the UK and EU markets. 

Keith shares all his tips on how to crack the market, what you should be doing NOW to prepare for the borders reopening - even if we don't know when they might - and we discuss his views on what he thinks might happen when they do. 

Is Flight Shaming a real thing? How does the UK market think NZ is handling Covid-19?  What are they concerned about? And what can you as a tourism operator do to get ahead of your competition? 

Listen in, it's a great episode not to be missed. 

You can contact Keith at www.tailormaderepresentation.com or www.mytraining.guru

www.destinatenz.com 

#UKMarket #TourismMarketing #Relationships #Networking #SalesManagement 

This week GM Sales & Marketing at Hobbiton, Shayne Forrest joins us for a chat. 

We learn a lot of new things about Shayne that had never come up in conversation before, but aside from being the 'best thing to come out of Central Otago', he is an absolute wealth of info and knowledge on our tourism industry and shares his journey and tips with our listeners. 

Tune in to hear what strategies Hobbiton has adopted through these tricky times, and also what tips Shayne has for other tourism businesses. 

It's a great fun chat and we hope you enjoy it! 

www.destinatenz.com 

HOT OFF THE PRESS:  Hobbiton are launching a brand new experience especially for the domestic market on 20th December - how good does a second breakfast at the Millhouse sound?  Check it out here https://www.hobbitontours.com/en/experiences/second-breakfast/ 

#hobbiton #tourismmarketing #customerexperience #dosomethingnewnz #domestictravel #travelnz #exploreyourbackyard #supportlocal