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Joost Klein expelled as Eurovision braces for protests

Switzerland was leading in the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday after a partial vote count, ahead of France and Ireland in what remains a wide-open race as protests continued in host city Malmo over the war in Gaza.

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New Zealand plans to reopen to international visitors by the end of April.

Emerging from one of the world’s longest lockdowns, the country plans to admit most fully vaccinated travelers by the end of April without a mandatory hotel quarantine.

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New Zealand Plans to Reopen to Foreign Tourists by the End of April

Fully vaccinated travelers entering the country next year will face significant restrictions, with a mandatory seven-day home isolation period, as well as tests on departure and arrival..

Today, I am confirming that fully vaccinated New Zealanders will find it easier to come home from January. And foreign nationals follow from April onwards, as we remove the requirement for managed isolation and quarantine for most travelers arriving into New Zealand. There will still be carefully managed processes for recent arrivals, including a mandatory seven-day self-isolation period for people who are not required to enter MIQ. We do know that the international restrictions we have had around our border have been tough for many people. That’s why we’re making this announcement today, to give families, businesses, visitors, airlines, airports and others the time to prepare.

By Natasha Frost

New Zealand plans to allow most fully vaccinated travelers into the country by the end of April without a mandatory hotel quarantine, as it slowly emerges from what has been one of the world’s longest lockdowns.

But those entering the country next year will face significant restrictions, with a mandatory seven-day home isolation period, as well as tests on departure and arrival. The border will open in stages to different countries, with fully vaccinated New Zealanders and visa holders able to travel from Australia from Jan. 16 and from elsewhere in the world starting Feb. 13. Foreign nationals will follow from April 30.

Experts have for weeks questioned the need for requiring new arrivals to quarantine when the virus is already in the community, and experts say international arrivals seem to pose no additional risk. No fully vaccinated travelers from Australia, for example, have tested positive in New Zealand’s hotel quarantine system since Aug. 23.

Some 84 percent of people in New Zealand age 12 and up are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. And representatives from the country’s tourism industry, which has struggled to contend with the long absence of foreign visitors , decried the seven-day isolation requirement.

New Zealand has been on edge since August, when an outbreak of the Delta variant erupted in Auckland and put an end to the country’s “zero Covid” approach.

“It’s very encouraging that we as a country are now in a position to move towards greater normality,” Chris Hipkins, the minister responsible for New Zealand’s pandemic response, said at a news conference on Wednesday. “I do want to emphasize, though, that travel in 2022 won’t necessarily be exactly the same as it was in pre-2020 travel.”

For over a year, New Zealand has operated a lottery system for citizens and permanent residents who want to return, locking people out of the country and creating a large backlog. The system has faced legal challenges from people desperate to return home from overseas and be reunited with their families.

New Zealand is waiting until April to fully open to permit time for airlines to plan, he said, as well as to allow a transition to the country’s new “traffic light” pandemic management system that starts Dec. 2. That system will end lockdowns and place significant restrictions on the unvaccinated, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced at a news conference on Monday.

On Dec. 15, Auckland — where the country’s outbreak is concentrated — will open its border to the rest of the country.

Before the pandemic, tourism was a big part of the New Zealand economy, employing nearly 230,000 people and contributing 41.9 billion New Zealand dollars ($30.2 billion) a year. About 3.8 million foreign tourists visited between 2018 and 2019, with the majority coming from Australia. Though domestic tourism has surged while borders have been closed, the industry has struggled to make up its losses, as international tourists spend about three times as much per person as their domestic peers.

Defending New Zealand’s caution, Mr. Hipkins pointed to the new virus wave that is crashing through Europe . “As we move into 2022, we know that the pandemic is not over,” he said. “It’s not going to suddenly end, and we only need to look at Europe to know that the path out of the pandemic is not a straightforward one.”

Natasha Frost is a newsletter writer on the Europe Edition of the Morning Briefing. More about Natasha Frost

New tourism data shows continued recovery

Published: 05 March 2024

The latest International Visitor Survey (IVS) data shows international tourism is steadily returning to pre-pandemic levels.

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In 2023, international visitor numbers returned to 76% of pre-pandemic levels with 2.96 million international visitors spending $9.9 billion in New Zealand.

This places International Tourism as the country’s second biggest export earner behind milk powder, butter, and cheese.

While visitor numbers have returned to 76% of pre-pandemic levels, visitor spend remains at 71% of pre-pandemic levels, once adjusted for inflation. This is due to a range of factors, including a higher number of visitors staying with friends and family, and a large number of Australian visitors, who tend to spend less.

Visitor spend from October to December 2023 is 43% higher than the same period in 2022, once adjusted for inflation. This shows a steady increase in international tourism spend.

More data from the International Visitor Survey can be found on the Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre on the MBIE website here:

International Visitor Survey (Rolling Annual) (external link)   – Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre

MBIE media contact

Email:   [email protected]

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/new-tourism-data-shows-continued-recovery Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.

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Tuesday, November 02, 2021 | New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand's response to COVID-19

Port Hills, Christchurch , Christchurch - Canterbury

By Julian Apse

Tourism New Zealand and the wider tourism industry continue to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19.

How we’re supporting the tourism sector

• We've refocused industry webinars to provide updates on the current COVID-19 situation. It's great to be able to get together to have this discussion and answer your questions.   
• The  tourism advisory support service (opens in new window) delivered by Qualmark is still available to you free of charge if you haven't taken up the offer yet. This service has been extended to include a new phase of practical support designed to help you understand more about your digital ecosystem with the aim of lifting the level of digital capability for the tourism industry.
• Qualmark have also launched COVID Clean Approved (opens in new window) , a self-assessment tool that allows Qualmark licence holders to work through a series of questions on COVID-19 related topics that are relevant to their operations processes, customer interaction and staff wellbeing. By completing this assessment, it communicates to both staff and visitors that the operator is aware of and working to take measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• As New Zealand’s response evolves we will keep you updated on our activity and support through Tourism News.
• We're continuing to provide advice and support to our Business Events partners, including development of an infographic outlining how events can run at different COVID-19 alert levels.

Other resources

• COVID-19: Information for businesses (opens in new window) is the government’s central resource to help businesses with updates about COVID-19 and guidance, including Kiwi Business Boost (opens in new window) . 
• Unite Against COVID-19 (opens in new window) is the central place for information from the New Zealand Government about COVID-19, including the COVID-19 financial support tool and requirements for businesses at different alert levels. Information is available in Te Reo Māori and over 33 other languages (opens in new window) , plus accessible formats for the disabled community. There are also a range of signs and posters (opens in new window) for you to use at your business.
• The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has information on the 2020 Tourism Recovery package (opens in new window) , as well as managed isolation and quarantine, an important part of our border measures to try and prevent COVID-19 in New Zealand. There's also support for South Island groups through the Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan (opens in new window) , delivered by ChristchurchNZ, Great South, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Development West Coast.
• The Ministry of Health (opens in new window) provides the latest updates, information and advice on COVID-19, including public health guidelines for businesses and services.
• Inland Revenue can help businesses understand the tax implications of these changes as a result of COVID-19. There's webinars and other information available on their website including information on the Resurgence Support Payment (opens in new window) .
• Work and Income has information on the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy August 2021 (opens in new window) .
• Go with Tourism (opens in new window) has launched a free service to support tourism industry workers and businesses affected by COVID-19, through redeployment, guidance, advice, and educational pathways.
• Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (opens in new window) (TEC) has developed a list of resources available to help their members, including the Inbound Tour Operator COVID-19 ready handbook.
• The Regional Business Partner Network (opens in new window) has resources and support available to help you whether your business is moving into recovery mode and looking for guidance, or is focused on building capability and growth. They also manage the Tourism Transitions Fund to support tourism businesses with advice and support such as HR, health and wellbeing, business continuity and hibernation, cashflow and finance management, strategy and digital capability.
• The Mental Health Foundation (opens in new window) has put together some information to help you get through. These are testing times for many New Zealanders so its important to take care of yourself and those around you.

We know this is a challenging time. That's why we're here to support the tourism sector in any way we can. If you have any questions or feedback please contact us.

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regional tourism news

Photo credit: rotorua, bay of plenty (miles holden).

Tiaki in Waitomo shines a light on regenerative tourism in iconic destination 

Tiaki in Waitomo shines a light on regenerative tourism in iconic destination A new initiative, ‘Tiaki in Waitomo’, has been launched today by Hamilton &…

Regional cruise strategy has growth and sustainability as focus

Regional cruise strategy has growth and sustainability as focus In a significant step forward for Taranaki’s burgeoning cruise tourism industry, a comprehensive Taranaki Cruise Strategy…

Regional Agritourism Accelerator Programme set to diversify agricultural income

Regional Agritourism Accelerator Programme set to diversify agricultural income CEDA are thrilled to bring the new Regional Agritourism Accelerator Programme to Manawatū and are launching…

Queenstown and Wānaka join forces to establish a fund for the greater good of the environment

Queenstown and Wānaka join forces to establish a fund for the greater good of the environment The Queenstown Lakes region is taking action to what…

RTOs collaborate to create Top of the South NZ touring route

RTOs collaborate to create Top of the South NZ touring route Hurunui, Kaikōura, Marlborough, Nelson Tasman and West Coast regional tourism organisations have combined forces…

Queenstown Lakes announces intention to be first carbon zero tourism destination in the world

Queenstown Lakes announces intention to be first carbon zero tourism destination in the world The earth race starts today in the Queenstown Lakes, with the…

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Tiaki in Waitomo shines a light on regenerative tourism in iconic destination A new initiative, ‘Tiaki in Waitomo’, has been launched today by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism to shine a light on the ability of tourism to make a meaningful and positive contribution to the environment, community wellbeing and cultural storytelling, as well as the economy.  Tiaki in Waitomo explores …

Regional cruise strategy has growth and sustainability as focus In a significant step forward for Taranaki’s burgeoning cruise tourism industry, a comprehensive Taranaki Cruise Strategy has been developed to ensure there is a coordinated, region-wide approach to sustainably grow the business in the region. And the strategy has a lofty five-year target – 28 cruise vessel visits in 2028. “We’re …

Regional Agritourism Accelerator Programme set to diversify agricultural income CEDA are thrilled to bring the new Regional Agritourism Accelerator Programme to Manawatū and are launching on May 1st 2023, in partnership with AgriTourism New Zealand. A pilot programme starting in several key regions across Aotearoa, the Accelerator covers all aspects of starting and growing a successful agritourism business with a …

Queenstown and Wānaka join forces to establish a fund for the greater good of the environment The Queenstown Lakes region is taking action to what is shaping up to be the greatest challenge and opportunity of our time and is now inviting visitors and businesses to support the district’s ambitious goal of a regenerative, carbon zero future.   Together, Destination Queenstown …

RTOs collaborate to create Top of the South NZ touring route Hurunui, Kaikōura, Marlborough, Nelson Tasman and West Coast regional tourism organisations have combined forces to launch Top of the South website showcasing the region’s touring routes (TOTS). www.topofthesouthnz.com This collaboration enhanced the collective approach resulting from the destination management plans that have been developed in each region. “Visitors don’t …

Queenstown Lakes announces intention to be first carbon zero tourism destination in the world The earth race starts today in the Queenstown Lakes, with the announcement by Mayor Glyn Lewers, of full commitment to decarbonising the tourism industry to carbon zero by 2030. The announcement is off the back of the presentation of the revised regenerative tourism strategy for the …

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New Zealand Travel and Tourism Media Releases and News

What makes New Zealand such as great destination for a holiday or as a location for your next conference or event? We've gathered some of the latest articles written about New Zealand by independent magazines, writers or locals. These together with a roundup of other news will give you a snapshot of what New Zealand has to offer.

Total: 122 articles. Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

New Zealand master carver, Matahi Brightwell, will commence work soon on a major refurbishment of his iconic Lake Taupo rock carving.

Tourism New Zealand's peak season visiting drivers campaign launched on 2 November and is expected to reach 225,000 international visitors by the end of the peak visitor season.

The New Zealand Hotels Industry Conference is the only annual event dedicated to the countrys valuable hotel sector, and is co-hosted by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and Horwarth HTL.

The Southern Hemisphere’s longest running mountain bike race – the Karapoti Classic – is set to enjoy smooth sailing after securing a new naming rights sponsor, Bluebridge Ferries.

Endurance junkies are going twice as crazy this year with Wellington's premier multisport event - the Fine Signs Crazyman - being held twice in 2017!

If you are looking for the best massage in Queenstown NZ then look no further than the Ultimate Relaxation Experience now available at Onsen Hot Pools.

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New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment news, including media releases, and articles about tourism businesses putting the Commitments into action.

• Industry News

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The results are in for the 2023 TSC Annual Declaration.

Island takes aim at single use coffee cups

Recycling is a particular issue for island communities, and so this summer visitors to Aotea Great Barrier Island seeking refreshment will have to bring or borrow their own coffee cups.

Tourism leaders put ‘green’ aspirations into action   

A brand-new initiative to encourage the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s visitor sector to work towards a zero carbon and regenerative future has launched in Bowentown.

Moving from Commitment to Action

Last year, WellingtonNZ chose to work with Tourism Industry Aotearoa on a pilot project for 12 tourism operators to accelerate their sustainability journeys. This work activated our Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC), allowing us to learn some valuable lessons and confirm prior hunches.

Tourism Industry Challenge to Cut Carbon

The Tourism Carbon Challenge urges every tourism business to measure its carbon footprint, to take action to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2030, and contribute to a tourism industry that is net zero carbon ahead of New Zealand’s 2050 goal.

Sustainable Tourism Training Programme Success

TIA and Wellington NZ recently celebrated the successful completion of a Sustainable Tourism programme which supported 12 Wellington tourism businesses to apply the Tourism Sustainability Commitment within their operations.

International Recognition for Tourism Sustainability Commitment

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Wellington tourism businesses head to a carbon neutral future

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Toitū Resources to get you started

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The George offers exclusive conservation experience

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Destination Cambridge Wins Sustainability Award

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Domestic Satisfaction Report Series

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Toitū Envirocare Offer for TIA Members

TIA and Toitū Envirocare (formerly Enviro-Mark Solutions) have partnered up to help tourism businesses measure their carbon footprint

Sign up to RefillNZ

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Tourism Minister reveals the kind of tourist he wants in NZ

Backpackers, high-fliers and all travellers in between are welcome to visit New Zealand for a holiday, according to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Matt Doocey.

Speaking at the annual tourism industry event TRENZ in Wellington today, Doocey said he would not cast judgments about the types of tourists who should visit Aotearoa.

“Something you won’t hear from me is value-laden judgment statements about who is a deserving or undeserved tourist,” he said.

“The beauty of tourism and hospitality in New Zealand is we have a range of different types of tourists who come to New Zealand.”

He said they added value in different ways.

Previous tourism minister Stuart Nash made headlines several times for candidly describing the kind of tourists he wanted and those who should stay away.

Nash said low-spending tourists were not the future of the tourism industry and that while borders wouldn’t close to those who spend $10 a day, high-value tourists would be the focus. High value didn’t necessarily mean wealthy, he clarified, but it didn’t include those who “‘travel around our country eating two-minute noodles”.

Doocey said some tourists add value by visiting for a short period and spending money on expensive adventure activities but backpackers can spend six months in New Zealand and spend a “considerable” amount of money in smaller regions.

These backpackers can also return later in life, something Doocey said Kiwis should be mindful of. One example was United Airlines vice-president Patrick Quayle, who the minister recalled sitting beside when Christchurch welcomed the first direct flight from the United States.

“He openly talks about first falling in love with New Zealand as a backpacker and now he’s bringing an airline here and new routes to this country,” Doocey said.

Tourism New Zealand considers budget, ability, and country

Tourism New Zealand does consider a traveller’s budget when marketing to potential travellers but it’s one of several factors they look at, according to chief executive Rene de Monchy.

“Firstly, we talk about active considerers, so that’s the audience who are actually considering New Zealand,” he said, adding that they may be dreaming, planning or close to booking a trip.

This is also a group that has shrunk 14 per cent compared to pre-pandemic, as the international travel market grows increasingly competitive and travellers are “bombarded by choices”.

Of those who do visit, almost 40 per cent come during the three-month summer period, which de Monchy described as an “over-reliance” the industry must move away from.

Tourism NZ then focuses on whether those within the group are able to visit New Zealand and have the money to spend on a holiday.

What countries are Tourism NZ targeting?

Described as ‘the big three’, Australia, China, and the US are “a key priority” according to de Monchy and make up 60 per cent of Aotearoa’s international tourist exports.

Then, there are the traditionally important markets; the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, which combine with the big three markets to make up 90 per cent of total exports.

So far, so similar to pre-Covid, apart from one new market with major potential - India.

“India, absolutely, is a great opportunity from an emerging market perspective,” de Monchy said, adding that Tourism NZ hoped to see more connectivity out of India soon.

What do they want tourists to do in New Zealand?

Once tourists decide to visit New Zealand, one of Tourism NZ’s priorities is to get them to stay “as long as possible”, de Monchy said.

“The longer you stay, the more regions you’ll visit and the more money you will spend and the more activities you will participate in,” he explained.

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Tourism New Zealand Twitter account overwhelmed with negative comments after Posie Parker rally

• Scott Palmer

Watch: Saturday's report on Posie Parker's rally. Credits: Newshub

Tourism New Zealand's official Twitter account has been targeted with hundreds of negative comments after Posie Parker fled the country following a fiery rally in Auckland on Saturday .

Parker, real name Kellie-Jay Keen Minshull, was forced to leave her event in Albert Park after a hostile reception from transgender rights protesters saw her doused, mobbed, and sprayed by the crowd. She was later spotted at Auckland Airport checking in to an international flight .

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Parker tweeted late on Saturday night that advice from police and her security team was to leave the country and hit out saying "lies were finally spewed by politicians in power in Australia and New Zealand, boosted by a corrupt media populated by vile dishonest unskilled cult members".

Her treatment drew a wave of negative attention on Twitter, with #ShameOnNewZealand trending on Saturday.

In the aftermath Tourism New Zealand was forced to turn off replies to its tweets and its latest post was deleted entirely amid the storm of comments - but calls for visitors to boycott New Zealand continued.

"Having witnessed the treatment of women trying to speak in a public place in Auckland, I won't be visiting NZ anytime soon," one person commented on a Tourism New Zealand promotional tweet.

"I think you just ruined your tourism industry today," a second wrote.

"@PureNewZealand expect your visitor numbers to plummet. Who'd want to visit a place where the government, media and police encourage aggression and mob rule?" a third tweeted.

ACT's tourism spokesperson Dr James McDowall told Newshub it's disappointing but not surprising people are shocked by what happened in Auckland.

"In a civilised country, you counter ideas you don't like with more speech and debate, not violence and intimidation," he said.

"Tourism businesses have been hammered over the past few years, they can't afford for potential tourists to have another reason to take their money elsewhere.

"The Government didn't promote rational behaviour, Ministers actually joined in on the witch-hunt. It sends a message that New Zealand isn't capable of rational debate and allowing people to speak freely."

Others however are celebrating the trans-rights counter-protest at the rally and say it's burnished New Zealand's international image.

"It's good to know that someplace in the world, when you pal around with fascists, demonize trans women and build your grift on bigotry, you might not be welcomed," one person tweeted.

‘City deals’ are coming to NZ – let’s make sure they’re not ‘city back-room  deals’

Associate Professor in Human Geography, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

Reader in Geography, University of Manchester

Professor of Human Geography, University of Manchester

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Tom Baker receives funding from the Marsden Fund.

Cristina Temenos and Kevin Ward do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Auckland provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

University of Manchester provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau provides funding as a member of The Conversation NZ.

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As local and regional councils struggle with inadequate infrastructure and unsustainable costs, New Zealand will be hearing a lot more about the potential solution offered by so-called “city deals”.

These deals are relatively long-term agreements between different levels of government (and sometimes other parties) about deciding, delivering and funding economic development and infrastructure initiatives within a defined local area.

Already, Wellington and Auckland councils are working towards regional deals with central government aimed at giving them more options for funding and managing their affairs. The National-led coalition is expected to announce a framework for city deals later this year.

National flagged its intention to implement city deals before last year’s election. Since then, think tanks , global and local consulting firms, Infrastructure NZ and Local Government NZ have all been having their say on how these might work.

A recent meeting of New Zealand mayors and local government chiefs heard from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham about the UK’s first city deal over a decade ago. He extolled the virtues of a “place first” approach that involves and engages citizens more in the future of their cities.

In the UK, city deals signalled a shift away from a conventional one-size-fits-all model of regional development. Each deal is bespoke, reflecting local priorities. Beginning with Greater Manchester in 2011, there are now more than 30 city deals in the UK .

Australia has arranged ten city deals since 2016 .

Their experiences suggest there are two general varieties of city deal. One revolves around mechanisms for funding infrastructure. The other goes further and involves devolving budgets and responsibilities from central government to newly created regional or city authorities.

City deals offer potential circuit-breakers for stalled and stagnant urban and regional progress, but New Zealand needs to take stock of the lessons being learned elsewhere.

Infrastructure deals

Infrastructure deals offer a co-operative mechanism for addressing deficits in local infrastructure. It’s a problem most wealthy countries are facing after decades of under-investment.

Filling the funding gap has been hindered by various factors: central government reluctance to borrow or tax more, short-term thinking based on electoral cycles, and different priorities within levels of government.

This has all primed politicians to look favourably on seemingly longer-term, co-operative ways to approach infrastructure development.

Australia has opted for infrastructure deals between federal and local governments. These have been praised for providing local governments with formal channels of engagement and extra funding from federal government.

But the deals have also been criticised for commercial secrecy and lacking a coherent national direction . Eight years in, it’s still hard to say whether Australian city deals have really improved infrastructure problems.

Devolution deals

UK city deals have involved devolving limited budgets and responsibility from central government to new sub-national governments, called combined authorities.

At a national level, right-leaning political parties have tended to take up the devolution agenda. But at the local level, politicians of all stripes want more autonomy in what is a highly centralised country.

Greater Manchester is the poster child of devolution deals, with its Mayoral Combined Authority seen as a model for others. It retains 100% of its business rates tax revenue, has developed an active travel strategy, re-municipalised the regional bus system, and improved health and social care .

This “ trailblazer ” deal was extended in 2023. But “devo deals”, as they are known, have been criticised for their lack of transparency (they’re negotiated in private, with no public consultation) and the absence of any attached statutory powers.

For instance, Greater Manchester has yet to gain approval for a spatial plan, which is key to setting the context and tone for economic and social development across ten local authorities. House building in the region has stalled as a result.

The art of the deal

City deals have become popular, in part, for politically symbolic reasons. Put simply, making a deal sounds sexier than “arranging a long-term inter-governmental agreement”.

Maybe not surprisingly, governments that favour city deals have been on the right of the political spectrum, with strong affinities to business. Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and current New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon also came to politics after corporate careers. City deals align neatly with their public images.

Beyond the symbolism, though, the experiences of Australia and the UK suggest such deals are not in themselves a quick fix for governing cities.

Negotiations often involve little or no reference to an overarching strategy, which can compound social inequalities and lead to unco-ordinated patchworks of projects. Governance has also tended to be opaque, risking the perception they are really “city back-room deals”.

They also call for capacity building in local government, which requires time and resources. UK central government demanded the establishment of a new level of administration – the mayoral combined authority – to oversee delivery of deals.

This entails significant bureaucratic and political manoeuvring. Yet even the largest and best-resourced local government bodies in Australia and New Zealand struggle to mobilise the bureaucratic power and expertise they need, routinely outsourcing to the private sector.

None of these challenges are impossible to overcome. But with city deals set to expand into New Zealand, there is room to refine the art of the deal itself.

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Another Spanish island launches war against tourists with huge protest planned

Another Spanish island has launched a war against tourists with a huge protest planned.

Residents on the island of Ibiza are joining other holiday destinations across the country in calling for restrictions on tourism.

The party island is beloved by Brits, with the population tripling during peak summer months due to the number of tourists that flock there.

But, inspired by similar movements in the Canary Islands and Menorca, an activist group called Prou Eivissa (meaning Enough Ibiza) has been started.

They are calling on residents to take to the streets on May 24 and protest for restrictions on tourism to the island.

A spokeswoman for Prou Eivissa said the group was "in no way against British tourism" but that it was fighting against the "type of tourism attracted to our island".

Xaquelina Ana Perry said: "We welcome anybody who wants to enjoy our local culture, gastronomy, local traditions, beautiful beaches and covers.

"We are only against the massification of the type of tourism attracted to our island. The island is saturated, especially with illegal renting and our 572 square kilometres cannot take anymore."

Despite its many other pulls, Ibiza is known for its nightlife, with many Brits travelling there to drink and dance during the summer.

As a result, it has often struggled with its image and has developed a reputation for drug use and dealing across the island catering to party tourism.

In a statement, Prou Eivissa said it was advocating for "a sustainable balanced future for the well-being and growth of the local people in unison with a type of tourism which wishes to respect and enjoy the diversities of this beautiful island".

The activists are calling on the Balearic Island's officials to introduce a law that limits vehicle the number of tourists, as well as a set of measures that ensure "the maintenance of the tourist moratorium, incentives for hoteliers to reduce capacity, protect residents and crack down on illegal renting."

"We consider it essential to achieve a balance between residents and tourists, and therefore we believe that the legitimate expression of the people of Ibiza can guarantee a sustainable future for all," the statement added.

"We urge families, youths, adults or anyone who appreciates a respectful life and wishes to be treated with respect, to come and make their presence felt so that the authorities truly feel the pressure that makes us say: Ibiza cannot take anymore!"

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Tourism holdings cuts earnings forecast by about a third.

Stock image. Tourism Holdings has slashed its earnings forecast by about a third Photo: 123RF

Major campervan operator Tourism Holdings has slashed its earnings forecast by about a third, with the company blaming weaker economic conditions.

The company, which has a portfolio that includes Apollo and Britz campervan brands, said its full-year profit was likely to be between $50 million and $53m, compared to its earlier guidance of around $75m.

Tourism Holdings suspended share trading last week ahead of the announcement, with trading set to resume at market open on Monday.

"The weakening economy has impacted most regions and business divisions negatively and lowered expectations into Q4," the company told the share market.

"Vehicle sales have been a major factor globally, with sales volumes and margins now declining more quickly than expected in most markets."

It said more than 50 percent of the overall fall in underlying profit was due to the Australian retail dealership division, with a shortfall in sales of its high-margin former fleet vehicles.

Rental yields were in line with expectations, but Tourism Holdings warned a slowdown in forward booking intakes would lead to weaker than expected performance for the remainder of the financial year.

The company also warned it was "probable" that there would be a write-down relating to its United Kingdom and Ireland business as part of the "2024 year-end process".

Tourism Holdings retained its goal of $100m in after-tax profit in the 2026 financial year.

"[The company] has considered the assumptions underlying the goal and believe the goal remains appropriate based on a positive rental growth outlook and a recovery in the RV sales market globally," it said.

Copyright © 2024 , Radio New Zealand

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Air Vanuatu cancels all flights to Australia, New Zealand

Chaos has hit passengers with a major national airline considering going into administration, with flights cancelled.

Major airline enters voluntary liquidation

Airline placed into voluntary liquidation

Qantas’ big menu change in economy

Air Vanuatu has cancelled its flights to and from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland through to at least Sunday, with flights after this date under review.

The airline may now enter voluntary administration, a spokesperson told news.com.au, with specialists from Ernst & Young flying to the island nation to help the Vanuatu government with its national carrier.

They will undergo “an assessment of Air Vanuatu’s financials”.

All international flights through to Sunday, May 12 are now cancelled and all future flights after this date are “currently under review”.

Air Vanuatu promised to provide updates until an outcome result had been finalised.

Qantas, which does not operate flights into Vanuatu but has a codeshare partnership with Air Vanuatu, said it was supporting codeshare customers who were impacted.

Qantas customers who are booked on an Air Vanuatu flight between now and May 31 are instructed to call Qantas or their travel agent to discuss options including refunds or a flight credit.

The Australian carrier said it would book customers who are mid-journey onto alternative flights.

Earlier on Thursday concerns began circulating about the fate of the company after it cancelled flights and local newspaper Vanuatu Daily Post reported it was informed the Air Vanuatu board had been dissolved and an administrator was appointed on May 6.

The publication said the news followed a former minister of infrastructure and public utilities reporting last month that Air Vanuatu is facing “a serious situation of bankruptcy”.

The airline’s website listed the cancelled services under its “flight schedule changes” page but blamed maintenance issues.

“Due extended maintenance requirements on our aircraft the following services listed below are impacted,” it claimed. “We are working with our partner carriers to minimise the disruption to our guests.”

📣 PSA: We are aware Air Vanuatu has cancelled its Brisbane flights for today & tomorrow. Passengers scheduled to fly with Air Vanuatu today or tomorrow should not travel to the airport. Please contact Air Vanuatu Customer Support & stay alert for updates. pic.twitter.com/IIGmJMLpUe — Brisbane Airport ✈️ (@BrisbaneAirport) May 9, 2024

Brisbane Airport said it was aware flights had been cancelled on Thursday and Friday, and has warned passengers scheduled to fly with the airline that they should not travel to the airport.

Sydney Airport issued the same warning for flights on Friday and across the weekend.

“We advise passengers who are booked on these flights to contact Air Vanuatu’s customer assistance team and not to turn up at the airport as the flights are cancelled,” a spokesperson said.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office said in a statement it was aware of reports that its national carrier has entered voluntary administration and called it an “evolving situation”.

“At this stage, we are unable to share further information but are in contact with Air Vanuatu and the Vanuatu government and will share updates as they become available,” a spokesperson said.

“We are conscious of the impact this situation has on travellers, ticket holders and the industry and on behalf of the Vanuatu tourism industry extend our apologies to anyone affected.”

It comes just days after the collapse of Australian airline Bonza , less than 18 months after launching its first flights.

Almost 60,000 Bonza customers have been left out of pocket following the collapse, a court has heard.

A court heard on Tuesday that the company had more than 60,000 creditors – including 323 employees who were owed wages and annual leave and 120 trade creditors.

There were a further 57,933 customers who had bookings with the company, barrister James Hutton SC, who is acting for the administrators, told the Federal Court on Tuesday morning.

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Customers have been left stranded after a major airline entered voluntary liquidation, cancelling all flights.

A major national airline has been placed into voluntary liquidation after it cancelled all flights to Australia and New Zealand on Thursday.

If you’re a fan of this snack, you’re going to have to part ways with it as Qantas has upgraded its domestic in-flight menu.