2026 AGM Advocacy Update

Advocacy is one of BYATA's most important roles. Much of this work happens behind the scenes and often over long timeframes, but it is critical to ensuring our members' interests are represented in decisions that shape New Zealand's tourism industry.

Over the past year, BYATA has engaged on a range of issues, including Working Holiday Visas, workforce challenges, tourism planning, local government reform and the future of the International Visitor Levy (IVL). Our largest advocacy focus has been our involvement in discussions around the New Zealand Tourism Policy Statement (TPS).

New Zealand Tourism Policy Statement

From the outset, our goal was clear: to ensure backpacker, youth and adventure tourism is recognised as a vital part of New Zealand's visitor economy.

Our sector encourages regional dispersal, supports local employment, generates significant visitor spending and delivers the authentic experiences New Zealand is known for.

During TPS workshops and consultation, BYATA focused on three key objectives:

1. Raise the profile of our sector

Ensure policymakers understand that youth travellers, backpackers, Working Holiday Makers and adventure visitors are not niche markets. They are an important part of New Zealand tourism.

2. Support commercially sustainable businesses

Advocate for a business environment that enables our members to invest, grow and innovate while supporting responsible tourism outcomes.

3. Improve government and industry alignment

Support clearer roles, responsibilities and investment priorities across central government, local government and the tourism industry.

Working Holiday Visas and Workforce Needs

BYATA continued advocating for Working Holiday Visa settings that help keep New Zealand an attractive destination. Working Holiday Makers are important both as visitors and as contributors to the tourism workforce.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has highlighted the need for an estimated 100,000 additional workers over the next 10 years to support the industry's anticipated growth. Meeting this demand will be particularly challenging in regional areas with smaller population bases.

Working Holiday Makers can help address these workforce pressures while also contributing to visitor spending and regional economies. Appropriate visa settings are therefore important for both tourism growth and the ability of businesses to access seasonal and flexible workers.

Tourism New Zealand Funding

BYATA has consistently advocated for increased and sustained baseline government funding for Tourism New Zealand (TNZ).

We believe a world-class tourism industry needs a well-funded international marketing agency. Long-term destination marketing should not rely on a cycle of reduced baseline budgets followed by periodic top-ups from the International Visitor Levy.

Predictable funding supports long-term planning, market development and sustained demand growth, helping tourism businesses plan for the future.

International Youth Travel and Tourism Recovery

TNZ's reporting has highlighted the important contribution of international youth travellers to New Zealand's tourism recovery. The figures shared with BYATA indicate that international youth travellers accounted for around 32% of total arrivals in the last financial year and contributed approximately $2.5 billion to the New Zealand economy.

Youth travellers also contribute beyond traditional leisure holidays, including through conference and business events. Their spending, travel patterns and participation in a broad range of experiences make them an important audience for New Zealand tourism.

The value of international youth travel

$2.5 billion

Estimated contribution to New Zealand's economy, according to figures shared with BYATA.

Other Advocacy Priorities

Alongside our major areas of focus, BYATA contributed to wider policy discussions and submissions, including:

  • International Visitor Levy: Preparing for future IVL settings, including participating in workshops and providing feedback on how the levy can support tourism and infrastructure.
  • Local government reform: Supporting recognition of tourism as an important economic activity and ensuring tourism infrastructure and destination management receive appropriate consideration.
  • Tourism 2050: Providing feedback to Tourism Industry Aotearoa on its longer-term vision and direction for the industry.
  • Working Holiday Visa settings: Continuing to advocate for policies that support visitor growth and help tourism businesses meet workforce needs.

Looking Ahead

One of the next significant opportunities for BYATA's advocacy is the future of the International Visitor Levy. We have been invited to participate in workshops and provide feedback on future IVL settings.

We will continue to represent our members on the issues that matter to the youth, backpacker and adventure tourism sector, ensuring our industry's contribution is recognised in decisions about New Zealand's tourism future.

Thank You to Our Members

Thank you to everyone who has shared feedback, insights and experiences throughout the year. Effective advocacy depends on member engagement, and the strength of BYATA's voice comes directly from the quality of the perspectives you share.