Chinese tourists key to target

High-value Chinese tourists are central to the tourism industry's goal to reach $41 billion in revenue by 2025.That is according to outgoing Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand TIANZ chief executive Martin Snedden, who launched the industry's 10-year blueprint launch in Auckland.

The industry would focus on "growing volumes, but growing value faster", after some years during which average expenditure per tourist decreased to about $2300, Snedden said.china visa requirements houston Of the $41b goal, TIANZ wants $19.1b to come from international visitors.Industry players have all highlighted China as the prime target.

China generates $670 million in tourist earnings and that will double to $1.2b in five years, according to TIANZ.A Chinese law introduced last year banning budget shopping tours supported the step change to target higher-value, independent Chinese tourists, the TIANZ report said.

Snedden said independent Chinese tourists stayed longer, travelled more widely and spent more than their tour-bus counterparts.The public sector was working to improve visa and driver licence processing for china visa application form Chinese tourists while tourism operators were improving their activities and products, Snedden said.

Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon said tourism companies would have to be proactive in adapting to the growing Chinese market, as the airline had on its Shanghai to Auckland services.

"We have bilingual flight attendants, provide a choice of Chinese or Western-style food and offer Chinese inflight entertainment options," Luxon said.

Auckland tour company founder Neill Sperath said his company, Time Unlimited, was already attracting high-end Chinese tourist groups and was always looking to enhance its products to suit their needs.