NZTRI conducted an online Visitor Survey for the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (CITC), (April- 2012- April 2013). This research was designed to provide a deeper understanding of the characteristics of visitors to the Cook Islands including their expectations and expenditure. Feedback from visitors to the Cook Islands enables CITC to improve the visitor experience as well as support it to make good decisions about tourism in this beautiful island nation.

Simon Milne has recently facilitated a workshop in the coastal resort area of Watamu, Kenya. The three day UNIDO funded gathering ran from March 25-27 and was focused on raising the ability of the internet to enhance the links between tourism and sustainable community economic development. Participants at the workshop included local community representatives, NGOs, private and public sector representatives and also UNIDO representatives.

NZTRI is working with the Orākei Local Board (Auckland Council) on a research programme that is designed to stimulate local economic activity by raising the profile of the Orākei area as a visitor destination.

 
This Visitor Strategy development is one that will enhance visitor yield, increase the profitability and sustainability of the tourism industry, intensify collaboration between stakeholders, and will focus on engaging stakeholders in developing destination potential.

This research was designed to assist the National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy (Navy Museum) to evaluate a proposal to create a Commemorative Space and a World War One (WW1) Resource Centre development to mark the centennial of New Zealand naval activity from 1914-1919. It also enabled the Navy Museum to identify gaps in the public acknowledgment of the contribution of New Zealanders in WW1 particularly at sea.

Organizers of the 2013 World Softball Championships have commissioned NZTRI to conduct an economic impact assessment.

The event was held in Auckland from March 1-10. NZTRI worked with Softball 2013 to finalise an online survey for event attendees and team managers. This approach considered daily spends by spectators and teams.

Reported figures differentiated between extra spending that has occurred directly because of the event and spending that would still have occurred in the absence of the event, and Impacts were assessed at the regional and national level.

Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival organisers approached NZTRI to conduct an independent economic impact survey which focused on their flagship races held on 19 January, 2013.

This research was designed to provide a better understanding of the economic impact of holding a sporting event on Wanaka and the surrounding area. Challenge Wanaka organisers also wanted athletes’ feedback about the actual event including the course, race logistics etc. Data collection included online surveys for the athletes and spectators, as well as conducting face to face interviews with members of the local community about the impact of the event.

NZTRI was successful in winning an international tender for an EU ACP (EDF 10) funded project: TA/08 “Preparation of Pacific Regional Tourism and Hospitality Human Resources Development Plan” (PRTHHD).

Representatives from InterCity and Fullers Great Sights, Bay of Islands (BOI) partnered with NZTRI to develop a research programme aimed at better understanding the perceptions and attitudes of non-visitors to the Bay of Islands. In the second phase of research, NZTRI conducted survey research to get a better understanding of international and ‘other’ (i.e. non-Auckland) domestic non-visitors to the BOI.

The research provided insights into: ways to improve the effectiveness of core marketing messages and distribution channels, consumer destination brand affiliations, and the perceptions, characteristics and expectations of these markets.

This research followed on from the first externally funded project in NZTRI’s ‘Get Local’ research programme.

Funded by the Albert-Eden Local Board, the work built on the initial phase of the work. The focus of Phase 2 of the research was on implementing approaches to develop local online content, to fine tune existing resources and engage with stakeholder groups. The areas we worked with are: Greenwoods Corner; Kingsland; Sandringham; Mt Albert, Eden Valley; Mt Eden. 

The founding International Steering Committee is pleased to announce the launch of the International Coastal Marine Tourism Society (ICMTS).

The objectives of the ICMTS are: