Summer questions: Chris Roberts, Tourism Industry Aotearoa

Chris Roberts, chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa. Photo / Jason Oxenham

What is 2018 looking like for your business?

Most operators are very positive about the summer but the rest of the year is harder to predict. There are no big events like this year's Lions Tour to give an off-peak boost. Global factors like oil prices, exchange rates and conflict can have big impacts on travel. However, New Zealand remains a popular destination providing a high-quality experience and if our economy remains good, domestic tourism should continue to grow.

How is that different to 2017? How has the last year been for your business?

2017 was the fourth year in a row of strong growth. The contribution of tourism to the New Zealand economy has risen from $27b a year to $36b a year. As an industry we are now firmly focused on managing the challenges of that growth. In November, TIA released the Tourism Sustainability Commitment www.sustainabletourism.nz and we are encouraging all tourism businesses to sign up. Together we can achieve our ambitious economic goals while sharing the benefits with supportive communities, contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural environment, and continuing to be a high quality destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.

What are the issues affecting your industry in the next 12 months?

Tourism brings enormous benefits to New Zealand but we have to do better at explaining to New Zealanders what those benefits are, in terms of business opportunities, jobs, events, facilities and the vitality of our communities.

An immediate challenge for many tourism operators is attracting and retaining staff with the right skills and attitude.

We also need to work with the new Government as a partner in ensuring we deliver the best outcomes for New Zealand.

What is the biggest issue you would like the new Government to champion in 2018?

To endorse and support the industry-led commitment to a sustainable tourism future.

Do you get a break this summer? What's your favourite way to relax?

We are staying in Wellington over Christmas and New Year so hopefully the capital's golden weather continues. In the latter part of January the family will head up to the beaches of Bay of Plenty and Coromandel. My favourite summer pastime is body surfing and lying on the beach.