Minister Louise Upston has paid tribute to the ‘grit and determination’ of travel agents and says the industry is well placed to weather the current fuel price spike.
Speaking at The National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) she highlighted the balance between out bound trips by Kiwis and inbound tourism, which is recovering towards 2019 levels.
“Whether we’re talking about airline connectivity (or) cruise connectivity, we need every single one of you playing your part.’’
Before the event, she told Travel Today that Kiwi outbound travellers, who are taking trips in record numbers, provide an important ‘base level’ of demand that helps sustain passenger and freight routes and frequency.
This helps maintain connectivity, which is critical for tourism, trade, and the wider economy.
. . . Connections Stable
“Ensuring connectivity—which includes understanding the importance of outbound travel on inbound travel—is an important part of our Tourism Growth Roadmap.”
Upston says the government is closely monitoring all impacts of the conflict in the Middle East which has resulted in jet fuel prices doubling and threatens to push up on-ground costs.
International arrivals and flight capacity remain stable compared to last year, and no international route withdrawals have been confirmed to date, she says.
“Travel agents play a really import ant role in supporting New Zealand’s international connectivity, particularly in a more complex and disrupted global travel environment. They also serve a really important role in times of conflict overseas, getting Kiwis home to safety.’’
. . . Working Closely
She said at the awards function that the Government was listening carefully to the travel industry on fuel.
Daily updates and the fuel plan is based on industry feedback.
“And that leads us to have greater confidence in the days, weeks, and months ahead,’’ she says.
