Trans-Tasman Travel Announcement Right on the Money

Today’s news of plans to streamline Australasian travel is a critical move that will bring more visitors to Wellington, Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks says.

Direct Australian visitor arrivals into Wellington increased by 6.4% in the year to June, compared to the previous year. This exceeded New Zealand inbound growth from Australia of 3.9%.

Plans to introduce electronic passport control and improve screening and processing of low risk passengers at Australasian borders, announced today by Prime Ministers John Key and Kevin Rudd, will be vital to further building on Wellington’s trans-Tasman visitor growth, Mr Perks says.

“Our research in the Australian market has long shown that the time and effort involved in travelling across the ditch has affected the perceived viability of Wellington as a short-break destination. Today’s announcement is going to transform both the perception and experience of trans-Tasman travel. It’s a win-win for both consumers and the tourism industry.”

Wellington will need to ramp up promotion in Australia as the final nail in the ‘visit now’ coffin, Mr Perks says.

“The increased convenience will make New Zealand destinations even more attractive. We know Wellington has a compelling offer and we know there’s interest. But once we have all the ducks in a row we will need to convert that interest into desire, and that desire into action.”
Positively Wellington Tourism has made no secret of its plans to launch a consumer campaign in Australia. Wellington City Council recently committed to putting funding towards an Australian campaign early next year, on the proviso it is matched by central government and industry investment.

ENDS