Media Releases

This page details the Media Releases that have been recently issued by ITOC:

Top tour operators recognised by industry (Current)
Inbound operators meeting tourism challenges (Current)
GST increase takes shine off tourism marketing boost
GST increase will penalise inbound tour operators
Inbound tourism operators urge caution on GST increase
Travel and tourism associations support Trans Tasman border changes
Distinction Luxmore Hotel wins ITOC Operator of the Year Award
2010 ITOC conference to be held in Marlborough
Prime Minister delivers GST tax certainty to tourism operators
ITOC Full Member Tour Operators Turn 100% Qualmark in Time for TRENZ
Inbound tourism operators wary of possible increase in GST
ITOC supports push for better government partnership with tourism industry
Tourism operators release 2001 written agreements with IRD
Tourism operators delighted with National Party commitment to listen to industry concerns on $30m GST rort
Tourism operators expect support from O'Connor over $30m GST rort
Inbound tour operators support call for next Government to get serious about tourism
Tourism Operators Squeezed by Road User Charge Increase
ITOC Joins PATA to Provide Global Perspective for Members
New Board Members for ITOC
ITOC Backs Tourism Strategy
ITOC Launches New Brand

Travel and tourism associations support Trans Tasman border changes
Date: 20 August 2009

News Release:            Thursday 20 August 2009

Travel and tourism associations support Trans Tasman border changes

The Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC) and Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) support the announcement made today towards implementing a new trans-Tasman passenger clearance model.

Paul Yeo, Chief Executive of ITOC and TAANZ says “We believe this is a good step in the right direction towards making Trans Tasman travel simpler, quicker and eventually less expensive. The short term steps that involve less bio security screening for low risk passengers as well as an automated passenger clearance system that operates on departure are positive moves.” 

“However it is the next stage that has the most potential with further studies planned into the integration of pre clearance and airline check in systems and we urge all parties to push ahead with this as soon as possible. We are also keen to see the proposed automated passenger clearance system extended to all New Zealand Trans Tasman airports and not only Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as a growing number of passengers are choosing to use regional airports.”

“New Zealand and Australia are each other’s largest and most important travel destinations and this can only assist in making them grow even further,” said Mr Yeo.

ITOC Background:
The Inbound Tour Operators Council of NZ was founded in 1971. It represents 250 tour operators and suppliers throughout the country who package, distribute and market New Zealand tourism products and services internationally.

TAANZ Background:
The Travel Agents’ Association of NZ was founded in 1962. It represents over 475 travel agencies throughout the country who employ 3,400 staff and who carry out over $3 billion worth of travel business annually.

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