Tourism Stories

Global Stories

Tourism stories

Cook Islands trust registrations hit record amid US demand

Record registrations underscore the Cook Islands' growing reliance on US-backed trust business, even as local staffing gaps widen.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 5 min read • Last month

Software-as-a-Service

Merlin rolls out NiCE CXone across 140 attractions

Guest service at Merlin's attractions has improved sharply, with issue resolution rising to 95% after an AI platform was rolled out.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Software-as-a-Service

Merlin rolls out NiCE AI across visitor attractions

Visitors should see faster help and fewer repeat calls as Merlin links bookings, support and follow-up across 140 attractions worldwide.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month

Smart Cities

NSW signs AI deal with HCLTech in India trade push

Revenues from NSW's traffic system could rise if a new HCLTech partnership helps sell the technology into India's multilingual cities.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 5 min read • Last month

Stories from Other Regions

Tourism stories

Risk & Compliance

Tauranga ratepayers group slams secrecy around Marty Grenfell's resignation

Residents say secrecy over the council chief executive's exit leaves ratepayers facing unanswered questions over any payout after the Mount landslide review.

By RNZ • 2 min read • 2 days ago

Local Government

Waimārama Beach proposal would ban cars and utes, require ATV permits

Concerns over safety and dune damage could see full vehicle bans at Waimārama Beach, with permits reserved for ATVs and exempt users.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 5 min read • 4 days ago

Supply Chain

Methven kept in the dark on CBD lighting project

Frustration is mounting in Methven after EA Networks admitted its revised lighting timetable was not communicated clearly to businesses and residents.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week

Architecture

Rotorua Museum construction wraps up a decade after quake closure

Visitors must wait another two years, even after the long-delayed Rotorua Museum build was finished on time and under budget.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last week

Conservation

Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park could get $1 million grant from ratepayer funds

Ratepayers could help keep Christchurch's only open-range wildlife park afloat, as councillors weigh a NZD $1.2 million rescue package.

By RNZ • 4 min read • Last month

Crypto

TrueMoney partners Fireblocks on embedded THBT wallet

The enlarged pilot lets up to 20,000 users spend and swap THBT inside TrueMoney, testing blockchain payments for everyday use.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month

Payment Technologies

Visa, ONDC explore tourism discovery tie-up in India

Travellers could soon find more local experiences and itineraries online as the two firms assess an open network approach for India's tourism sector.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month

Urban Planning

$10m for new SH25 bridge hoped to alleviate Coromandel traffic pains

Motorists on State Highway 25 should see fewer bottlenecks from next year as NZTA replaces the ageing Ramarama Stream Bridge with a two-lane crossing.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last month

Urban Planning

Wellington stadium says it can't afford $42m maintenance bill for the next decade

Falling corporate suites and memberships are leaving Wellington's regional stadium unable to fund a GBP £42 million maintenance programme itself.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last month

Fintech

Juspay expands Wego partnership to boost travel payments

Travellers across the Middle East could see fewer failed bookings as Wego adds local payment options through a wider Juspay tie-up.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month

Climate change

West Coast business welcomes NZTA's U-turn on road funding

Councils and ratepayers have been spared steep local bills after NZ Transport Agency kept majority funding for two isolated West Coast roads through 2030.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 4 min read • Last month

Construction

Queenstown cable car project wins USD $150 million backing

The non-binding deal could help ease Queenstown's congestion as the cable car scheme moves closer to construction and wider funding talks continue.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Last month

Māori

'Iconic national' road thrown a funding lifeline

Ratepayers in South Wairarapa will avoid a funding gap of up to NZD $35 million after NZTA agreed to keep Cape Palliser Rd largely subsidised for three years.

By Local Democracy Reporter • 3 min read • Last month