The tourism outlook for 2023

Queenstown's proposed 'bed tax' is likely to be shelved at least until after the national election. (Image: ZQN)

Mon, 02 Jan 2023

All things considered, things are looking up for the New Zealand tourism industry. To be fair, that’s off a low base, after the sector’s oxygen supply was essentially cut off as a response to the global pandemic. That saw four million annual visitors locked out of the country, an immediate drop in accommodation levels of 55% and the value of personal travel during 2020 drop from close to $4 billion to about $660 million. James Doolan, strategic director of Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA) reckons, all up, there were 943 d...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket steady despite US slump

Financial adviser says investors holding their breath for reporting season.

Tom Raynel 6:10pm

Infrastructure

Cyclists not part of new road-user charge framework

Govt announces a proposed new road-user charge framework.

Staff reporters 3:40pm

Cyclists not part of new road-user charge framework

Infrastructure

Making fast-track fast again

Shane Jones says he'll 'exterminate' any issues holding up applications.

Oliver Lewis 2:00pm

Sponsored

A decade in, Spark’s AI journey is paying off

The telco’s use of AI offers insights for every Kiwi business.

Spark

Sponsored

Datacom at 60: NZ tech trailblazer eyes the AI future

As it turns 60, Datacom embraces a radical new direction.

Datacom

More Travel

Travel

US to trial $25,000 bonds for travellers to enter US

Pilot program targets applicants for visas from countries with high overstay rates.

The Wall Street Journal 05 Aug 2025

News in Brief

Air NZ Auckland airport lounge overhaul

Air New Zealand says it will nearly double the size of its Auckland Airport international lounge.The airline’s plans follow moves from rival Qantas to add 100 extra seats to its own Auckland lounge.Air NZ chief executive Greg Foran said the project would start next year and likel...

Staff reporters 28 Jul 2025