Advocacy
A core role of BYATA is to advocate on behalf of members for policies and industry developments that are beneficial to BYATA members both in the short term, (WHV restarts) and long term (Industry Transitional Planning) development.
BYATA works with multiple other tourism associations to maximise our collective voice and understand where BYATA issues fit within the broader landscape.
BYATA has established constructive relationships with Immigrations New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, RTONZ, TIA, HAPNZ, Go With Tourism, Maori Tourism and Hospitality New Zealand.
Advocacy is complex and often has a long timeframe and as such the process is closely managed by the Chair and members of the advocacy working group. There are times when being publicly vocal is useful and times when it is not, however you can be assured no matter what you see in the media BYATA is working hard behind the scenes to argue our position.
We invite any member to raise issues with any Board member that you believe is something that needs to be addressed. We cannot advocate on issues we have no knowledge of.
These working groups address the key areas of advocacy below:
Working Holiday Visa’s
Travelling with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is an easy low-cost way to see more of New Zealand, meet more people, and have more fun. Work is available all across New Zealand, all year round. And for most roles, experience is not required. While on-site accommodation is available in some areas.
One way to find out more is through the Working Holiday Information via Immigration NZ . This site will help you understand what you need, in order to work in New Zealand, the benefits of working in NZ and how to apply. Check out the seasonal work calendar too!
Immigration
Immigration settings are of core importance to BYATA members and we will advocate for the following:
- Active pursuit of growing Working Holiday Visa applications and arrivals
- Minimal bureacracy required to employ WHV visitors to maximise the appeal of NZ as a working holiday destination
- Tourism New Zealand’s participation in and support of promotions that drive more WHV visitors
- Pursuit of simple immigration processes to maximise the employment of immigrants to New Zealand within the Tourism Industry.
- Supporting the New Zealander first approach among members when hiring new staff
Tourism Transition Industry Plans
BYATA will assess and contribute to the development and implementation of the Tourism Industry Transitional Plans with a view to ensuring plans are considerate of BYATA Members, realistic in terms of industry capability and focused on genuine best practice when setting plan objectives. BYATA supports a drive to improve industry performance and principles of regenerative tourism within the context of central and regional government and also acknowledging and funding their role within existing revenue frameworks.
Qualmark
BYATA continues to stand in support of Qualmark as the industry’s mechanism for ensuring safe quality experiences for visitors to New Zealand.
Our advocacy team will continue to meet with Qualmark and provide you with updates on a regular basis throughout the year, and we welcome any feedback or questions you may have in relation to the Qualmark system.
Responsible Camping
The responsible camping issues remain divisive, not just within the backpacker and wider tourism sector but within communities throughout New Zealand. For this reason, we acknowledge that implementation of consistent nationwide policy by central government is important, and BYATA will contribute to the discussion and development of such policies. We will continue to advocate for fair and appropriate facilities to be made available for freedom campers that do not impinge on the commercial viability of commercial campgrounds.
Targeted Tourism Tax
The need for infrastructure funding resulting from increasing visitor numbers to New Zealand cannot be denied and we understand the need for both central government and councils to consider where this funding will come from.
Our primary position is that Tourism contributes significantly to central government revenues through a variety of taxes and there is not a comparable investment made for that revenue back into tourism infrastructure. However, it seems clear central government is unlikely to adopt any increase on that basis. Our secondary position is that any regional fund raising from visitors is done on a consistent basis across New Zealand.
That there is a suitable lead in time for any localised taxes to be adopted to allow for industry adjustment including long term contractual agreements with wholesalers. Money raised locally is spent locally and local government is the platform where spend decisions are made rather than unelected adhoc committees.
Any visitor taxation regime is able to take into account the impacts of day visit destinations with respect to revenue raised and costs incurred. Taxation is applied across all visitor types and nationalities including the domestic market on the basis that impacts are felt irrespective of the visitor’ nationality or source market.
Research and Insights
BYATA is of the opinion that data and insights into the tourism industry are sparse, of relatively poor quality and untimely. This makes decision making at both the macro and micro level difficult which impacts on investment and productivity. BYATA will advocate for improved acquisition of insights and distribution of the same.
Lifetime Value Model
BYATA has developed a Lifetime Value Model of backpacker Visitors to New Zealand. This model outlines the ongoing value of the backpacker and youth visitor market beyond the immediate visit and why investing in backpacker and youth visitation is critical to the ongoing success of New Zealand. This model will be refined during 2022 and will be the seminal document upon which BYATA will advocate for support from a wide range of sources. Once refined the model will be disseminated widely and calls for further input will be made from industry and government.