Travellers want value for money

Budget-conscious travellers are looking for value over cheapness, according to tourism industry representatives attending this week's iSite New Zealand national conference in Wanaka.

The conference, the first to be held in the Southern Lakes region for 10 years, has attracted about 100 iSite representative staff from throughout New Zealand and started with a powhiri at the Edgewater Resort yesterday.

iSite NZ executive manager David Wilks said tourists who had visited an iSite centre spent 40 per cent more during their stay than those who had not used the information and booking service.

While the recession and the swine flu pandemic had had an impact on international visitor numbers, reports from iSites throughout the country indicated travellers were spending more on activities and looking for "value for money" holiday experiences rather than cheaper options, he said.

The view was echoed by Napier iSite manager Carolyn Neville, who is also an iSite New Zealand board member.

"People are quite definite in what they want it is not necessarily the cheapest deal they are looking for but something that definitely offers value for money.

"We have noticed a real increase in booking for activities," Ms Neville said.

The conference finishes tomorrow.

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