TIA welcomes Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey's announcement today that the government will invest $3 million into research initiatives for the tourism and hospitality sector. 

The investment will fund a variety of surveys and research including a domestic visitor survey, tourism sentiment survey and more.  

TIA has had data improvement as a priority all year, because good information is essential for good decision making, and for the development of the industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Good information tells us how we’re doing and it also gives us the tools to know where we’re going. This is a great example of the IVL being put to good use, for the benefit of tourism. 

We’d like to give our thanks to the Tourism Data Leadership Group, who have invested huge amounts of time and energy in progressing this work, and getting what the industry needs. 

We’re looking forward to seeing how this provides more insight into the tourism system, especially as regards domestic tourism. Kiwis provide the bedrock of the industry, and account for about 60% of visitors, so this funding is most welcome.   

A well-managed tourism system in Aotearoa New Zealand needs quality data and research. Relevant, timely and accessible insight lets us make better tourism-related decisions. 

The significance of this investment directly correlates to Action 3 in Tourism 2050 ‘Power-up Data and Research’. The Action recognises the importance of good data and acknowledges the tourism industry has not been well served under the current settings.  

A well-supported tourism industry will be much more assured in taking the many strategic, commercial and operational decisions that are essential to implementing the Tourism 2050 Blueprint.