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.
NZBackpack.com and NZTRI announce the NZ Backpacker Industry Conference
NZ Backpacker Industry conference is taking place on the 17 & 18th of September at AUT. Information is now available at www.backpackerconference.org.nz.
Speakers include the Hon John Key, Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism; George Hickton, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand, Tim Cossar – Chief Executive, Tourism Industry Association and more. Register your interest in the conference today by visiting the conference website here.
NZTRI Organises Workshop on Geotourism in Iceland
The sustainability of tourism in Iceland has been on the agenda for over a decade, resulting in the adoption of several certification schemes and policies from national through to regional stakeholders. Hitherto no scheme has been introduced to manage nature-based destinations in Iceland with special emphasis on the maintenance of the physical integrity of the destination.
Public transport: What’s rugby got to do with it?
Dr Geoff Dickson, Dr Melody Oliver, Dr Hannah Badland, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences
Sustainable use of whales in Tonga: The lesser of two weevils?
Professor Mark Orams, New Zealand Tourism Research Institute
Niue Visitor Departure survey generates interest
An online Visitor Departure Survey for Niue, conducted by NZTRI is generating wide interest. The results of the survey were released recently in an NZTRI report prepared by Evangeline Singh and Simon Milne. The survey, which ran from June 08-October 08, had a total of 284 responses from visitors to Niue. The online survey is part of a wider tourism research programme that has emerged from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NZTRI and the Niuean government.
Additional coverage
Keeping dolphins wild in their best interest argues marine scientist
Mark Orams recently was interviewed by TV ONE news about 'Moko' the dolphin and her playful antics. See the news release here at the TVNZ website as well as video coverage.
Simon Milne interviewed on Morning Report
Supercity seen as chance to lift Auckland tourism industry (MP3)
NZTRI Director Simon Milne was interviewed on National Radio's Morning Report about how the major players in Auckland's Tourism sector are hoping that the proposed Supercity amalgamation might lift the region's performance in one of its most important businesses.
Analyzing performance audit reports of destination management organizations’ actions and outcomes
Given the critical nature of making sense of what is happening and the failure to do so in examining actions causing the 2007 global economic collapse, theory and research in performance evaluation is worthy of substantial attention in tourism management. The present article includes a case study that describes and analyzes three performance audit reports over a 3-decade period for one U.S. State government’s destination management organization’s (DMO) actions and outcomes.
The Gastronomic Experience of European Tourists in Portugal
Mark Orams publishes book on Sir Peter Blake
Dr. Mark Orams has just published "Blake: Leader. Leadership lessons from a great New Zealander", 
a celebration and reflection on the life and legacy of one of New Zealand's great leaders, Sir Peter Blake. Blake's style of leadership has been compared to Sir Edmund Hillary's; both were intensely focused on the task at hand and each had the necessary skills to pull together resources - people, planning, and fundraising - with enormous success and international recognition.
