The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) New Zealand says the government’s new international air transport policy should focus on improving air links with priority regions like Asia and the Pacific Rim.

TIA has highlighted the need to improve these links to provide non-stop services to New Zealand in a submission to the Government’s International Air Transport Policy Review.

Improvements on air-services to include non-stop routes to/from several countries showing emerging tourism potential such as India and Brazil is more likely to generate an increase in visitor arrivals.

TIA chief executive Martin Snedden admits that the Asia and the Pacific Rim are driving growth in visitor arrivals to New Zealand.

“Future growth is also forecast to come out of Asia in particular, and it is critical we have sufficient air access to meet potential demand,” Mr Snedden said.

Pointing out that the countries accessibility due to distance means almost 100 percent of travellers arrive here by plane, Mr Sneddon said air links are a crucial pipeline that will directly influence tourism growth.

Recommendations in the submission focus on removing restrictions and improving existing air services relationships. TIA also requests acknowledgment of the country’s national carrier that makes a big contribution to tourism and encouraging economic growth.

“We are calling on the Government to develop a new international air transport policy that reflects tourism and trade priorities and New Zealand’s wider economic interests.”

“It should also support other initiatives that positively influence trade and trade, including supportive visa policies and seamless border processing,” Mr Snedden concluded.

To read the International Air Transport Policy Review submission, go to www.tianz.org.nz/main/policy-issues