A vote of confidence for luxury travel market

Owners of New Zealand’s finest collection of boutique accommodation have expressed confidence in the ongoing success of the luxury end of the tourism market.

Heritage & Character Inns of New Zealand held its annual conference in Rotorua earlier this week and the mood was upbeat according to conference organiser and Heritage & Character Inns board member, Louise Kiely of Queenstown House in Queenstown.

“Our member properties are boutique accommodation providers offering a holiday experience highly valued by global visitors. They’re reporting strong forward bookings for this winter and into next summer.

“Heritage & Character Inns are about quality. People in this end of the market do not compromise their need for quality. They come to New Zealand for an inspirational, 100% Pure holiday, to recharge batteries and really unwind. Their need for this type of holiday is undiminished in today’s global economic situation.”

Ms Kiely says New Zealand has a number of advantages as a destination which makes it attractive in the current global environment.

“Our dollar is very soft making New Zealand increasingly affordable for our visitors, airfares are cheaper than ever and New Zealand remains a highly desirable destination.”

The Heritage & Character Inns members are also well placed to ensure continued success.

“Our members are relatively small businesses that attract the repeat business of long standing satisfied customers – a resilient market. Our properties fit perfectly into the 100% Pure picture and deliver genuine interactive travel experiences. We are also able to adapt to changing conditions and are expert at working together to ensure long term business success.”

The organisation represents 85 luxury properties throughout New Zealand most of which were represented at the conference held at Novotel Lakeside Resort. The conference was opened by Associate Minister of Tourism, the Hon Jonathan Coleman who acknowledged the importance of tourism on the NZ economy and its place as a driver for employment and export earnings.

Heritage & Character Inns of New Zealand is a premier group of personally hosted, boutique luxury accommodation. It is New Zealand’s most comprehensive collection of Qualmark-rated 4 and 5 star lodges, bed & breakfasts, historic villas, lodges and country cottages, all of which offer generous hospitality and genuine New Zealand experiences in luxurious surroundings.

For more information, visit Heritageinns.co.nz.