Safe to bet on more flights

By SIMON HENDERY

Increasing international airline interest in New Zealand is an indication that the country is reaping the benefits of its reputation as a safe-haven tourist spot, says the Tourism Industry Association.

Qantas this week announced it was increasing flights between Australia and New Zealand. Australia-based Virgin Blue is also eyeing the transtasman route.

John Moriarty, chief executive of the Tourism Industry Association, which represents 3500 tourism operators, said the increased activity was a reflection of New Zealand's growing attraction as a travel destination.

Visitor arrivals for the first half of this year were up 5 per cent on the same time last year.

The number of visiting Australians rose by 2 per cent over the period.

"There is a general trend for New Zealand to be more of a positive destination in the hearts and minds of people from the Northern Hemisphere [post September 11]," Moriarty said.

"That being the case, airlines are not slow to work out where to put their capacity when they see a demand."

Australia's tourism industry was hit hard in the wake of the US terror attacks, and operators and the Government have been working hard to stimulate the sector. That was having a positive flow-on effect here, Moriarty said.

"Tourism makes money when people move and it often doesn't matter which direction they move in."