Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s latest member Workforce Survey shows business confidence has increased significantly, with 86 per cent of tourism organisations feeling confident about the year ahead — up 11 per cent on 2024 results.
“It is incredibly positive that optimism is high across the tourism industry as we head into the summer season, especially given how tough it is out there for businesses at the moment,” says Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram.
A number of factors are contributing to the lift. “Arrivals, while variable, are showing growth, with arrivals to the end of July reaching 87 per cent of pre-Covid levels. Our members have also told us they are seeing good forward bookings, indicating the potential of a further lift over summer,” Rebecca says.
Rebecca also highlights continued momentum from government initiatives, recent visa changes, airline connectivity, and the upcoming openings of the New Zealand International Conference Centre in February and One New Zealand Stadium in Ōtautahi Christchurch in April — all contributing to rising optimism.
“With 47 per cent of survey respondents actively recruiting, the industry is gearing up for summer,” Rebecca says. “Importantly, these jobs are spread across the country and deliver broad economic benefits for communities across the motu.”
The top three challenges facing the tourism industry remain consistent with 2024 feedback: increased costs and pricing pressures, weather-related disruptions, and managing staff burnout and mental wellbeing.
Steps being taken by organisations to ensure they remain employers of choice include:
Offering flexible working hours
Encouraging staff to attend conferences and events (up 7 per cent year-on-year to 44 per cent)
Providing equal opportunities for career progression (up 2 per cent to 40 per cent)
Actively adopting new technology to boost workplace efficiencies (up 4 per cent to 36 per cent)
