Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston has acknowledged the contribution that hard-working Kiwi travel agents make to the New Zealand economy, as TAANZ continues to forge closer ties with the government and the tourism industry.
Agents warmly welcomed Upston at the TAANZ NTIA25 awards dinner on Sat night after previous tourism ministers have avoided publicly acknowledging the industry and its role in attracting inbound visitors. Travel industry leaders became increasingly frustrated dealing with the previous Labour governments for what they said was lack of understanding of the sector’s role in driving air capacity and attracting tourists. But Upston on Sat celebrated the work of agents. She said agents made it possible for Kiwis travelling overseas to connect with potential visitors to this country. International tourism is about 85% recovered to pre C-19 levels, although the number of Kiwis taking holidays overseas has been running at record levels. Outbound travel by New Zealanders helps encourage airlines to fly here and Upston said the government was committed to returning tourist numbers to 2019 levels when close to four million visitors came to this country. “…We have capacity going out before we have capacity going in. So let’s fill those boats and fill those planes.’’ Upston said the awards were a recognition of innovation, passion and resilience that defined the industry. “During the pandemic agents had to reinvent themselves and I saw a group of businesses who went so far and beyond for their customers, it really was heart warming. So I want to just congratulate you for being real troopers.” Upston also told those at the awards they could inspire the next generation of young people to enter the travel industry. They should share success stories. ”You should be enormously proud of your industry, because for us to grow our economy, we need to ensure that we’ve got a great workforce coming through to follow in your successes
