Concerns for New Zealand tourism industry amid ‘tension’ with China

The claims follow the diversion of a Shanghai-bound flight from Auckland

Lake Matheson in New Zealand (istock)

Concerns have been raised about relations between New Zealand and China following several tourism-related incidents.

Earlier this month, a Shanghai-bound Air New Zealand jet was forced to turn around mid-flight and return to Auckland after it was discovered that the plane did not have permission to land in China.

While the incident was largely dismissed as an administrative error, it follows New Zealand’s decision to bar the Chinese firm Huawei Technologies from its wireless networks, according to a report by Skift.

A Chinese newspaper reported that some Chinese tourists were cancelling plans to visit New Zealand as a consequence of the decision regarding Huawei and subsequent “strained political relations”.

The formal launch of the 2019 Year of Tourism between the two countries was also postponed due to senior Chinese officials being unable to attend.

According to the official website, the partnership aims to “strengthen economic ties through tourism”.

The tourism industry, which has usurped dairy as New Zealand’s biggest earner, was initially bolstered by a boom in Chinese visitors, although this growth has begun to decelerate over the past two years.

Last May, financial forecasts were revised to reflect the slower than expected increase, although the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment predicts that spending by Chinese visitors will rise to NZ$2.82bn (£1.49bn) in 2023.

Todd McClay, the opposition National Party foreign affairs spokesperson, expressed concerns in a New Zealand Herald article: “The prospect of a deteriorating relationship with China is a major risk. It hampers certainty in the economy and creates uncertainty for our exporters and tourism operators,” he said.

Stephen England-Hall, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, told The Independent: “China continues to be an important market for New Zealand tourism, with growth in visitor arrival numbers from China is continuing at a moderate rate.

“Tourism New Zealand’s focus is on ensuring New Zealand remains an attractive destination to high-value visitors in this fast-developing, highly competitive market.”

Prime Minster Jacinta Arden has rejected any suggestions of tension between the two countries.