New Zealand wants to attract wealthy tourists, not those who spend $10 a day

The strategy is assumed. More than two years after the Covid-19 pandemic spread, New Zealand fully reopened its borders to foreign travelers on August 1. The government now wants to bring tourists back to the country, but not just anyone. On Wednesday, New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash assumed he would prefer “big spenders“.

“In terms of targeting our marketing strategy, it will be unapologetic towards these high quality touristsHe said while presenting a government plan to boost the tourism sector, which is crucial to the New Zealand economy – it represented about 9% of its GDP before the health crisis. “We will welcome travelers… [mais] We won’t target people who post on Facebook how they can travel across our country for $10 a day eating instant noodles.“, he added.

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In 2020, Stuart Nash had already taken on this strategy, noting that his country would target “shamelessWealthy travelers will seek to attract tourists whoFly in business or premium economy class, rent a helicopter, and tour all around [du glacier] Then eat Franz Josef in a fine restaurant“.

Asked by the British daily newspaper WatchmanJames Higham, professor of tourism at New Zealand’s University of Otago, is skeptical of the government’s strategy. According to him, the idea that “High net worth individualsThey will spend more on travel than the budget of tourists not supported by research. “There is no evidence for thatHe, on the other hand, highlighted their greater impact on the environment.

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