This is interesting stuff. After seeing so many buses with Chinese tourists in Chinese buses in Chinese restaurants in all the hot spots like Rotorua, Waitomo Caves, Huka Falls, Turangi, Queenstown, etc. everyone imagines that they would dominate the stats. But no! Look at the number of tourists from West Island – which has kept growing steadily, up 15 percent to $2.5 billion. We love the Aussies.
Substantial increase in international visitor spend
The International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the year ending March 2016 has been released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
It shows that total estimated visitor spend in New Zealand continues to grow, reaching $10.2 billion for the year ending March 2016, up 25 percent on the previous year.
Spend of all major markets and by all purposes of visit were growing. In particular, United States (up 46 per cent to $1.2 billion), China (up 41 percent to $1.7 billion) and Japan (up 35 percent to $259 million) have showed significant growth in the March 2016 year.
Australia – currently New Zealand’s largest tourism market – has kept growing steadily, up 15 percent to $2.5 billion.
This is also interesting tourism industry stuff…
This is what motels have been advised by ‘industry sources’ (newsletters@accomnews.co.nz)
re on-line bookings systems.
A scary reliance on OTAs
We all know the pain and pleasure of the bookings that come from OTAs (On-line Travel Agents). They rescue you during slow periods, consistently fill rooms and bring new travellers through your doors. But it all comes at the price of outrageous commissions, shrouded customer details and the low possibility of repeat business. Most hoteliers decide to swallow their pride (and their profits!) and accept the situation as it stands. Is it any wonder then that the industry finds it difficult to kick its OTA addiction?
However, we’re here to remind you that you don’t have to succumb to this dire situation or walk away from OTA bookings altogether. Remember, there are smart ways to combat and neutralize OTAs, while optimizing your hotel booking system and hotel website design to drive direct bookings.
First, find out how much each it costs your hotel to attain each OTA reservation (marketing cost per booking). Compare that to how much you’re allocating to other channels that could pull in direct business. Then, give OTA guests a reason to share their email addresses with you. Offer to email their bill or entice them to sign up for future offers. OTA reliance is an issue almost all hotels deal with; however, this doesn’t give you an excuse to surrender to lost revenue.
So SWMBO suggests you should always book direct and save!!
Apr 2016 From an English newspaper – someone likes us…
26 reasons why New Zealand is the world’s best country
