The New Zealand Tourism Research Institute at The Auckland University of Technology brings together experts from around the world to deliver innovative research solutions for the industry and those who depend on it. Our research enables business, community and government to develop profitable and sustainable industry outcomes. The institute is a recognised leader in graduate student research and education, with many alumni in key international academic and industry positions.
NZTRI researcher says playful dolphin should be left alone
In recent months a sub-adult bottlenose dolphin has become increasingly interactive with visitors and locals off the coast of Gisborne.This interaction is popular but there are concerns about the risks involved, for people and for Moko, the dolphin. The bottlenose is one of several species of dolphin found in New Zealand waters.
2009 was a good year for the backpacker industry
New Zealand Tourism Research Institute director Prof Simon Milne was interviewed by the Otago Daily Times to talk about the transformation of the backpacker market in New Zealand. Backpackers are a subset of "free and independent travellers", which also include cyclists, and those touring in campervans. Traditionally, backpackers were viewed as young, hard-drinking travellers who did things on the cheap, but this was no longer the case. Backpackers today were technologically savvy, environmentally conscious, and often travelled cheap so they could spend money on adventure tourism in places like Queenstown.
Mark Orams interviewed on TV ONE's Close Up
Mark Orams was interviewed on TV ONE's Close Up about the worsening situation with 'Moko' the teenage dolphin and his playful antics in Gisborne. Some say it's only a matter of time before Moko the dolphin causes a deadly accident. Mark explains why Moko's behaviour is starting to appear progressively more aggressive.
Watch Mark Orams interviewed on Close Up: http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/moko-dolphin-danger-3234675/video
Adding Value Through Research: The New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference
In 2011, New Zealand will host a significant international event in the Rugby World Cup. Furthermore, New Zealand and other nations are facing significant challenges from a tourism and hospitality management perspective. Research has an important role to play in meeting those challenges. The New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference will take place on the 1st to the 3rd of December 2010 at AUT University's campus in downtown Auckland.
More information on the New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference: http://www.nzthrc.org
The contribution of a nationwide mega event to increased collaborative and knowledge transfer capacity in a regional destination marketing network
Abstract:
The study will explore collaboration and knowledge transfer capacity in destination marketing. Specifically, the research will use a mega‐event, the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC 2011), to analyse the collaboration and knowledge transfer process between Tourism Auckland (a regional tourism organisation) and other organisations and public authorities in their efforts to leverage this event.
Building & Branding Successful Tourist Experiences: growing profitability / sustaining community
NZTRI members Simon Milne and Murray Campbell are running a 4 day workshop in Hue city, Vietnam (see attachments) focusing on the links between poverty alleviation, information and communication technologies and destination branding. The workshop will focus on the links beyween local community development and regional/national branding and promotion.
NZTRI presents at Cawthron Aquaculture Conference in Nelson
On November 5th, Dr.John Hull presented a breakout session at the Cawthron Aquaculture Conference in Nelson on NZTRI's continuing research linked to the role of Innovation on the Top of the South Aquaculture and Seafood Trail organised by the Marine Farming Association in 2006. The session was attended by over 40 participants. The survey results from businesses and planners conducted in 2008 and preliminary results of visitors to the region in 2009 were presented. The baseline data is providing information for policymakers on how to strengthen linkages between the aquaculture and tourism industries in the region. The research programme for the Top of the South Aquaculture and Seafood
Teach a man to fish? - Capacity building and waste management in the Pacific
Abstract: Creating opportunities for the sustainable development of tourism in the Pacific Islands must be stripped back to the basics. While assistance with marketing and promoting an image is important, developing crucial necessities such as waste management is the key to maintaining an attractive image for the destination in the short term and protecting natural resources in the long term. If the animals that tourists travel to see are choking to death on plastic bags, then how long can tourism last?
Me’a Kai - The Food and Flavours of the South Pacific - Farmer-to-Table "How a cookbook can empower rural economies"
Abstract: Robert Oliver is writing a cookbook to showcase Pacific Island cuisine, not only for food and book lovers, but primarily to elevate the attitude and relationship between Pacific Islanders themselves and their culinary culture. Tourism is the largest economic machine in the South Pacific Islands, yet most of the hotel food product is imported. At the same time, there is abundance of land and farming skills and farmers. Robert’s presentation discusses how to join the two sectors: the benefits, the barriers, and a exploration of solutions.
NZTRI Facilitates Workshop on Nature-based Tourism in the North Atlantic
On October 7-8th, NZTRI Associate Director Dr. John Hull delivered a two day workshop funded by the Nordic Council's Office of North Atlantic Agreement (NORA) for the Wild North Project in Torshavn, Faroe Islands.
