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Just catching up on One News and it's article on tourism (especially in Queenstown). Well I've just been there and here's my take (as a tourist)...
We were prepared to spend quite a bit of money on things as a massive (for us) family holiday.
We were prepared to spend quite a bit of money on things as a massive (for us) family holiday.
Many activities were doing some discounts. As a Kiwi we appreciate that. However, it was all still very expensive. I can fully understand why people would "stay home". Worse than that we had activities cancelled on us.
Most cited the weather (it was unseasonably cold!). Some I believe. Others I think simply used it as an excuse for "not enough numbers". I firmly believe QT business have become far too used to creaming the international tourist. Ultimately pricing out Kiwis.
I would go as far as to say some do not understand supply and demand. Well they do when it's in their favour. Hearing that one man complain that we're not visiting irks me. Because it's all down to themselves. They're charging too much. Supply is outstripping demand.
Price appropriately. That said: some businesses and people were awesome!
Booking accommodation late (via AirBnb as it happens) meant we got some great deals. We'd checked a month before our trip but booked a week out. Saved quite a bit!
Booking accommodation late (via AirBnb as it happens) meant we got some great deals. We'd checked a month before our trip but booked a week out. Saved quite a bit!
I appreciate the pain QT as a whole most be feeling. I hope they realise that it's actually country wide. If those business creaming it from the foreign tourists till a year ago haven't made provisions for lean periods then I struggle to have too much sympathy.
Final word: traveling right now as a home tourist is fantastic. I've loved it! Few people, lots of options, a gorgeous South Island. Ticked off a few bucket list items doing my little bit too keep the economy going.
