Critique of the Qualmark Travel Guide

Interesting that the New Zealand Herald reviewed the Qualmark Travel Guide earlier this week.

Qualmark NZ partnered with their minority shareholder, the AA to produce another paper based travel guide to add to the scrum of existing publications.

For those concerned about the irony of an organisation focused on the green credentials of their subscribers, there is no need to fear about the wanton pillaging of additional pine trees. The second publication due later this year will be made from recycled material.

The guide exclusively contains Qualmark rated tourism product and most of the content has been cut and pasted from existing advertisements in the AA Accommodation Guide.

Who funded the Guide?

This is a good question. The annual licence fee that Qualmark tourism operators pay to be quality assessed doesn't fully pay for their participation in the scheme, so this has not been paid from subscriber's funds. Besides, this publication was generously offered as a "free add-on" to Qualmark rated businesses.

The AA collated and printed the publication and we wouldn't have expected this member organisation to cover all costs.... so, we can safely assume that the New Zealand taxpayer is a major investor in this 900 + page guide with an initial print run of 15,000.

Why has the guide been produced?

Qualmark have often been criticised by the tourism industry for their lack of visibility to the traveling public, so this publication will go some way in alleviating these concerns.

There is also another reason that is not so obvious. Tourism New Zealand has been signaling for some time that Qualmark rated businesses will soon be the only tourism product that will be marketed overseas. The Qualmark Travel Guide will be used as a major tool by Tourism New Zealand to promote selected product at the expense of other tax paying new Zealand businesses.

This raises some interesting questions.

As a majority shareholder in Qualmark NZ Ltd, should The Ministry of Tourism apply substantial taxpayers funds exclusively to businesses that have a Qualmark licence?

Is there a conflict of interest here??

Do our tourism leaders have a position on this?

4 May 2009
Jim Eagles
REVIEWS THE QUALMARK 2009 NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL GUIDE

The big plus for this guide is that, because Qualmark is the official mark for tourism quality here, you know the businesses listed have survived an annual check on their standards.

The downside is that if there isn't any Qualmark-approved accommodation in the area you're going to visit ... you're out in the cold.... For More: Click HERE

Labour Tourism Shadow

Kelvin Davis is a fine orator on Maori issues, however is out of his depth as the opposition's Tourism Spokesman

Disappointment today for the tourism industry.

The New Zealand Labour Party shows its thin veneer of able politicians by appointing Kelvin Davis to shadow PM, John Key in the Tourism portfolio. The National Party probably can't believe their luck!

Davis has prepared for the cut and thrust of tourism by his previous career.... as a school teacher. As usual with Labour MP's, Davis has yet to step outside the security blanket of state funding and has no experience running is own business.

In the last election he lost the Te Tai Tokerau Maori seat to Hone Harawira but managed to enter parliament on the party list.

So far Davis has not appeared on the public radar and his biggest achievement in parliament is to have delivered one of the most bland and boring Maiden Speeches last year.

I challenge anyone to play the video below and last more than 3-minutes!

6 May 2009
Press Release: New Zealand Labour Party

Davis looks forward to challenge of new roles

Labour Maori MP Kelvin Davis is looking forward to the challenge of being Labour’s spokesperson for Tourism and Associate spokesperson for Maori Affairs.

The former role will see him in a position to hold the Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Tourism to account, while the latter enables him to back up his senior colleague Parekura Horomia.

“Growing up in the Bay of Islands I am well aware of the importance of tourism to New Zealand’s economy,” Kelvin Davis says.

“I look forward to talking to operators in the industry to find out what needs to happen to ensure the New Zealand tourism industry flourishes. Obviously there are challenges to this industry because of the recession, so I will be interested to see what the Minister of Tourism does to meet those challenges.

“I am especially interested in developments in Maori tourism and know of a specific Maori tourism initiative in the mid-North that will promote the history and people of Ngapuhi. I look forward to doing whatever I can in my spokesperson role to support that Maori initiative and others like it.

“However, it is my role as Associate Maori Affairs spokesperson that really excites me. Combined with my present role as Maori Education spokesperson, I have a real opportunity to contribute to Maori wellbeing and development. This is what I entered politics to do.

“Maori education goes hand in hand with Maori development,” Kelvin Davis says.

Source: Click HERE

Latest NZ Accommodation Web Stats

From the May AA Advertiser Newsletter:

Click graphic to enlarge:

Wanganui Waste

A story in the Wanganui Chronicle yesterday highlighted the results of a national survey about the perceptions of Wanganui.

The hapless Wanganui ratepayers that paid for this pointless exercise will be pleased to discover that their celebrity mayor and river are the most popular icons.

The survey results that draw upon the insecurity and gullibility of Wanganui residents will be used to form a visitor strategy for Wanganui and qualify further ratepayer expenditure.

There seems to be an institutional reliance within the tourism industry on local councils providing tourism services including marketing. Local tourism (and accommodation providers) are drawn in to this unhealthy symbiotic relationship and start to focus taxpayer funded solutions, rather than rely upon their own capabilities.

The future vibrancy of the tourism industry should not rely on ex-school teachers, failed politicians and professional bureaucrats within councils. These institutions struggle to manage core services such as roads, footpaths, rubbish, sewage and water. There is an amusing irony that these people should be charged with tourism promotion.

Councils should exit from all tourism promotion including: funding i-Sites, event marketing, economic development, sister city promotion and any other "tourism" wet dream expenditure.

The best tourism promotion any city can do is to allow private enterprise to thrive by not burdening its ratepayers with unnecessary taxation.

Instead of looking to council to promote his business, tourism operator Mr Smith (below) should continue to act as an ambassador for the region by providing his customers with a mind blowing quality experience that will be shared with potential visitors on social networks.

If Mr Smith believes in promotion on a scale beyond his own businesses capabilities then he should gather together like minded tourism businesses that can work together with their own freely donated communal funds.

06.05.2009
By Anne-Marie Emerson
anne-marie.emerson@wanganuichronicle.co.nz

How NZ sees us: Perceptions survey released

Wanganui is best known for its mayor and its river, according to a new national survey.

The National Perceptions Of Wanganui survey, which asked 766 people throughout New Zealand about their views of Wanganui, found that mayor Michael Laws and the Whanganui River are the two most notable features of the city.

Gangs, the movie River Queen and Cooks Gardens also rated a mention.

The survey, commissioned by the Wanganui District Council, found that Wanganui is not considered a tourism or lifestyle destination compared with other centres and regions.

Wanganui is also perceived to have a poor climate.

Councillor Dot McKinnon, who is chair of the council's image and promotions working party, said these things were untrue.

"But that is how we're seen."

Cr McKinnon said national perceptions of Wanganui needed to change, and this research was the first step towards that.

"We are a very pretty city with a family-friendly quality of life and fantastic amenities.

"It is time to tell all of New Zealand that Wanganui is the place to visit and live."

She said direct marketing, clever image-building and "the truth" were needed to combat negative perceptions.

Cr McKinnon said the dominance of Mr Laws and the river were highlights in the survey results.

"Both will be critical messengers in selling the Wanganui message.

"We are fortunate that we don't need to create a spokesman or a definitive brand -- this survey indicates that they already exist."

Michael Laws said he was surprised he was listed as one of the major features of Wanganui.

"I know I have a national profile, but it seems bizarre that the river - which has been here since the year dot - has to share its pedestal with me."

Local tourism operator Rory Smith said the survey results were very disappointing.

"Wanganui was one of the first tourist destinations in New Zealand; and 50 years ago, the Wanganui District Council was the first winner of the New Zealand Tourism Awards.

"The truth is, we're failing woefully, and we've been going backwards since the [Michael Laws-led] Vision team has been in council."

Mr Smith said there were many accomplished operators in and around Wanganui, who were working in challenging economic and political times.

"We certainly have no need to justify tourism in Wanganui."

Mr Smith said he had no faith in the council's image and promotions working party.

"How can I have any faith in it, when it has no input from Wanganui tourism operators?"

But Mr Laws said the working party would have input from the tourism and commercial sectors, and would use the survey results to draw up a visitor strategy for Wanganui.

Mr Laws said he hoped the perception survey would be held every year, to track progress.

"Wanganui is like Napier was 20 years ago.

"They did exactly what we're doing now, worked on their strengths, and now they're a major tourism and lifestyle destination."

Source: Click HERE

Jasons revenue slips

It has been interesting following the progress of Jasons Travel Media (JTM) that are best known in the motel industry for publishing the annual "Jasons" accommodation directory.

John Sandford was the founder of Jasons that began in 1967 as a privately owned entrepreneurial small media enterprise. There are still some moteliers left in the industry that can remember John turning up at their motel in an old Valiant selling advertising in his fledgling accommodation guide.

Over the years, John Sandford became an industry icon and the popular face of Jasons. John was recognised by being awarded Honorary Life Member of the Motel Association of NZ for his longevity, loyalty and service to the motel industry.

John completed his journey with JTM by listing on the NZ Stock Exchange before his "retirement." At the time, many long term motel industry stalwarts invested in JTM shares.

John decided to step down as CEO in 2006 and swapped places with his replacement, Steven Joyce who was a director for JTM.

Steven Joyce remained CEO for two years and left his mark by advancing Jasons web development. With Steven leaving to launch his political career before the last election (see our post here), Jasons appointed his replacement Matthew Mayne in 2008.

Matthew has a hard act to follow, but is an experienced General Manager with particular strengths in the online media sector. He has yet to make his presence felt in the motel industry.

In a short time, JTM has gone from a "family business" with a visible, charismatic and respected figurehead to a publicly listed company. Such a transition can be difficult as the company progresses to new horizons and adopts a different personality.

As the accommodation industry is squeezed in uncertain economic times, past loyalties are soon forgotten and moteliers will be looking very closely at their advertising spend. We have heard rumors around the traps that Jasons reps are offering "special deals" to selected properties in order to maintain sales. This is unfortunate.

Jasons Travel Media Limited is a public company, listed on the NZAX board of the New Zealand stock exchange. It distributes travel media, publishes the websites www.jasons.com, www.holidayguide.co.nz, www.dutymotel.co.nz and www.roomsearch.co.nz; and over 60 different free printed travel guides annually, covering New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.

4 May 2009
Article: Businesswire

Jason’s full-year profit falls 20% as revenue slips

May 4 - Jasons Travel Media, the travel and accommodation guide publisher, said full-year profit fell about 20% as revenue dipped at some of its smaller titles.
Profit fell to NZ$787,000 in the 12 months ended March 31, from NZ$982,000 a year earlier, the company said in a statement, citing unaudited figures. The company will release its full results in June. Operating profit fell to NZ$1.2 million from NZ$1.55.
The figures are below earlier projections “due to the general effects of the current economic climate,” chairman Geoff Burns said.
Core print and web products and its distribution business, including recent acquisitions, have continued to “perform well” while smaller publications, “particularly some local maps and guides, have suffered contraction in revenue, compared to earlier expectations,” Burns said.
The company expects to maintain its final dividend at 1.5 cents a share, fully imputed, making total payments of 3 cents for the year.
The shares trade infrequently and last changed hands on April 6 at 75 cents. Jason’s has declined 6% in the past 12 months, outperforming the NZAX market, which is down about 30%.

Source: Click HERE

0800 abuse

I see RED!

There are a few emotional trigger point for us "Motellas."

One reoccurring bugbear are telemarketers who insist on calling us on our toll-free 0800 number. Is it me or are these phone calls increasing in frequency? Last week I even had an earnest chap that was managing another accommodation business, who rang me on my toll free number asking for advice about managing motels. Unfortunately he did not get the fireside chat that he was expecting.

Grrrrr...from the outside I try to portray a calm professionalism, however I am a dyed-in-the-wool motelier and 0800 abuse makes my blood start boiling!

Moteliers will know what I am talking about, however for those uninitiated that don't - just think about it. You are a "business person" hawking your wares, ringing a motel and speaking to the owner of the business on their toll free number - making them pay for the pleasure of your call! Would you call your other potential clients "collect?"

For telemarketers that don't get it and insist on phoning me on my 0800 number, the credibility of you and the company you represent immediately goes through the floor.

And the telephone conversation is usually brief!

The Rob Fyfe Interview

Air New Zealand is the largest player in the tourism industry and the viability and efficiencies of its operations is of vital importance. The recent Paul Holmes interview with Air New Zealand's Boss, Rob Fyfe was interesting on many levels.

Fyfe strongly suggested that the swine flu media hype has done “unnecessary damage” to New Zealand tourism.

It is too early to antisipate any major change in travel behavior due to the public's risk perceptions swine flu, however Fyfe conceded that Air New Zealand has some cancellations from Japan, but “we’re taking it in our stride so far”

Fyfe claims that Chinese tourists are returning to New Zealand after downturn late last year and the open border with Australia would improve tourism numbers.

Fyfe claims that Air New Zealand has to be greener than other airlines, but concedes will never be carbon neutral.

Interestingly, Fyfe appears to be comfortable with being 75% State owned.

Click HERE for the full video interview

In defence of private property

Tokoroa's new cultural highlight: The Aotea Chinese Restaurant and Takeaways

Every now and again I get dragged to Tokoroa to visit my parents-in-law. Usually in the middle of Winter!

On the journey there, my usual swift driving style is amended to a more sedate pace and I take every opportunity enjoy the scenery and stop off numerous times before we reach our destination.

I can't say that I look forward to traveling to Tokoroa, however next time I am summoned, I may be more motivated to arrive there in good time. Zhuo Feng Jiang owns a Chinese Takeaways in Tokoroa and I will be calling in to support his business the next time I'm bonding with my in-laws.

After being confronted by an armed thug in his takeaway business recently, Jiang wrestled the firearm away and shot him. There was some speculation that Jiang may be charged over this incident, however this has now been discounted. And rightfully so!

What is interesting about this case for me is the assumed distinction between a business owners "home" and his place of business. I would suspect that if the armed low-life entered Jiang's home, then this case may have been reported differently.

For moteliers their home is their place of business. I once took part in a court case that involved thugs entering reception areas of businesses and intimidating business owners. I empathisised at the time that although the perpetrators entered a space that was accessible to the public, they in fact had entered private property. By their intentions, they had no right to be there and had in fact entered a place of residence where the owners and their families lived and worked.

Jiang was defending himself and his family on his own private property and shot a hostile low-life criminal in the leg. There should not have been any speculation about possible criminal charges against him and he should have been regarded as a hero.

It's a shame he didn't aim higher.

2 May 2009
www.nzherald.co.nz
By Alanah May Eriksen

Shop shooter won't be charged

A Tokoroa shop worker who wrestled a gun from a robber and shot him in the leg will not face charges.

Zhuo Feng Jiang of Aotea Chinese Takeaways says he would do it again if he was put in the same situation.

Mr Jiang had been prepared to go to court over Monday's incident to defend his actions.

"I'm quite happy the police said they won't charge me," he said. "I had to stand up for myself."

The 26-year-old received positive feedback from members of the public after the attempted robbery in which a man demanded money from his mother and cousin, who were behind the counter.

Mr Jiang hid in the store's chiller and pounced on the intruder when he walked past the door before wrestling a rifle from his grip, knocking it from his hands. With his cousin, Mr Jiang pushed the intruder out the shop's back door and grabbed hold of the gun.

When the man kept trying to get the rifle back after being warned not to move, Mr Jiang shot him.

After three days of interviews, police said yesterday no action would be taken against Mr Jiang and slammed media for speculating otherwise.

"We were unable to categorically rule out [charges] until the investigation had been completed and until all the information potentially available had been gathered and examined," said Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce.

"Unfortunately, the early publicity and speculation over this particular issue have served only to cause further distress to this victim and have overtaken what was a committed investigation by Tokoroa detectives resulting in the arrest of two men within 24 hours of the offence."

Mr Jiang said he now left the shop's back door - which the robber used to enter the store - locked at night. It was usually left open as staff used it to dispose of rubbish.

Security cameras at the shop only focused on the front of the property so there was no footage of the incident.

The family have no intention of selling the shop and moving away.

"It's his fault, not my fault," Mr Jiang said. "I don't need to be scared away ... I'm not going to do it."

A 29-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday night for the robbery and taken under police guard to Waikato Hospital for treatment.

Police spokeswoman Kaye Calder said a lawyer acting for the man appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday.

The man was remanded in custody to reappear on May 4, although it was not known if he would be released from hospital by then.

A 30-year-old man charged with being an accessory after the fact appeared in the Tokoroa District Court on Wednesday. He entered no plea and was remanded on bail.

Source: Click HERE

Challenging Swine Flu

As motels hunker down for a long winter, it is natural for the industry to be somewhat sensitive to media reports sensationalising swine flu. At a time when shoulder season travel should be encouraged, there has been some concerning comments from "officials" reported in the New Zealand media discouraging travel.

Domestic travel that makes up over 70% of motel's guest nights and any misguided public commentary that may depress this core market should be challenged.

Meanwhile, the American Hotel and Lodging Association have encouraged people to continue traveling "as hotels and flights are an excellent value, and the average price for a gallon of gas is around $2.15." The association's latest press release, continues with some common sense advice for the traveling public and officials that have made unqualified public statements:

"Washington, D.C., April 30, 2009 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) released the following statement from President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney in response to comments by lawmakers that discourage Americans from using public transportation facilities and equipment during the swine H1N1 flu situation:

“Elected officials in this country carry a powerful responsibility to make the right statements during an influenza crisis. Their words will influence millions of Americans, so it’s imperative that they make informed statements.

“Health officials have repeatedly stated that travel to or within the United States is safe. President Obama has stated that reasonable health precautions, such as frequent hand washing or staying home if one falls ill, should govern our activity during this crisis. Cutting back on travel today will not help this nation weather this storm.

“The American hotel industry urges our elected officials in every office, from President to Vice President and throughout Congress, to think carefully about what they are advising the American people to do, and base their comments on researched information. We will all depend on their actions to help safely lead the U.S. lodging industry and American public through this health crisis.”

This looks like a good template for New Zealand's accommodation and tourism leaders to follow.

Swine Flu Update

Hmmm...getting a few emails at the moment taking the p*ss over swine flu.

Here's the best one so far: