The travel industry’s continued growth is tied intrinsically to inbound air seat availability
Any shortage of airline supply or inconvenient aviation network options can result in potential visitors not
travelling or choosing a different destination. Insufficient seat supply can also have a profound impact on
airfare pricing levels in a market environment where the volume of leisure traffic is sensitive to pricing levels.
While the Tasman offers adequate connection points and capacity, air capacity on direct long haul flights into
New Zealand has declined from its peak of 1.935m seats in 2004 to a forecast of 1.808m at the end of 2012 (-
6.5%). Long haul routes are typified by single carriers resulting in limited price competition. Only three Pacific
Rim long haul ports (Singapore, Hong Kong and Hawaii) have more than one carrier serving New Zealand.
Based on the significant relationship between aviation and visitor arrivals, Tourism New Zealand will continue
to play an active role in encouraging a strong and sustainable aviation environment in order for it to deliver its
tourism outcomes. Tourism New Zealand believes our most significant contribution will come from comarketing
New Zealand alongside carriers committed to serving New Zealand with non-stop services.