The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand is pleased the Government has listened to the industry and will offer loans to 26 Inbound Tour Operators from the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme.
“The confirmation that the Government will offer loans to 26 ITOs, rather than the initial number of 10 ITOs proposed, and on better conditions than was originally discussed, is pleasing, and will allow these businesses to remain operational,” says chief executive Lynda Keene.
“We have been urging the Government to widen the scope of its funding for ITOs, so we are grateful there has been some change from the original proposal.
“We see these loans as being an investment in the future of securing New Zealand’s $17 billion international tourism export earnings when the New Zealand border reopens. However, it is likely, not all inbound operators will take up the offer, because they currently have no income coming in.
“We will continue to advocate for ITOs to be offered grants, or alternative funding mechanisms over the upcoming months to help them keep their businesses afloat. This will ensure inbound tourism operators are treated the same way as other parts of the sector. That way the entire tourism sector will be on the same footing, and able to work together in planning for the future.
“ITOs are a crucial part of the tourism sector. Their role is to feed the tourism eco-system and connect international visitors with local companies. These operators hold valuable commercial business to business relationships with offshore tour wholesalers that will be critical for the recovery of the wider sector in the future.”
Pre-COVID, 55 per cent of all international visitors were booked through trade (offshore) and Inbound Tour Operators in New Zealand. This equates to $9.4 billion of the $17.2 billion that international tourism export receipts earned for the New Zealand economy.
“A New Zealand tourism industry without ITOs would be at a huge disadvantage when borders re-open.
“High value visitors rely on reputable companies with a long track record in the industry. Having the opportunity to keep some of these companies in business is a step forward. Now we need to work together to ensure New Zealand is ready to welcome visitors once again to support our broader economy,” says Lynda.
