COMMENT: Regional tourism promoters like Ateed are vital to industry, says George Hickton.

'I'm Auckland born and bred and I love this city', Sir John says of 'dream job'.

Hundreds of travel buyers are coming to Auckland to look at new attractions on offer.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has watered down his bed tax on hotels to pass it through council

Ateed says it hopes its funding base can be broadened beyond the accommodation sector

The surge in tourism is putting pressure on businesses looking for hotel rooms.

About 16,000 athletes from 100 countries will be visiting our shores for the games, with an average income of over US $100,000 (NZD$145,000).

About 50 elderly US tourists had to stay at a marae after their flight was cancelled.

Brett O'Riley, the head of Auckland promotion agency is stepping down after five years in the job.

WATCH: One of the world's biggest cruise ships - which arrives in NZ next week - will be the star of cruise season.

Despite councillors getting behind mayor's visitor levy proposal, tourism sector remains strongly opposed.

Our economy is thriving and businesses are in a buoyant mood as the region experiences strong economic growth and rising employment.

Central Auckland accounts for half of Auckland's total GDP, with many large businesses based in the city.

COMMENT: The idea that a perfect brand, will magically make citizens feel great and suck tourists and businessmen down to this country, seems rather silly.

Ateed warns of a decline in visits unless these ships can be accommodated. It must be possible, without further compromising Auckland's prime attraction.

The biggest cruise liner to visit New Zealand is headlining a record number of ships to come here during summer.

Ambitious Auckland high-tech companies have leapt at the opportunity to take part in "business match-making sessions"

Auckland Transport properties in Devonport and Eden Terrace are being leased to start-up and innovation businesses.

Auckland's busiest summer of events helped raise tourism expenditure by 15 per cent.

A council body has four months to produce a viable film studio plan at Hobsonville Pt or the land will be used for housing.

Two Auckland Council bodies are at loggerheads over whether 20ha of land at Hobsonville Pt should be used for housing or a film studio.

An old computer cobbled together for $2.2 million is taking business off a new council computer costing hundreds of millions of dollars to build from scratch.

A community meeting with the Auckland Council tomorrow is expected to drum up big support for keeping the Pasifika Festival permanently in South Auckland.

Team New Zealand's future in the America's Cup is in serious doubt after the Government confirmed the loss of the qualifying round in Auckland would mean zero funding.

Auckland's Pasifika Festival is facing a backlash from those who pushed for it in the first place - with some threatening to boycott the event.

The number of superyachts arriving in New Zealand this summer has soared from 37 to 57 compared to last year with the biggest of them all, Serene, extending its stay for maintenance.

Problems locating suitable waterfront sites for syndicate bases could see council cost blowout of up to $15 million.

An extended programme of events will help Auckland celebrate the Year of the Sheep, writes Sarah Ell.

Organisers of Pasifika Festival are "confident" it will be a success this year, despite having to move venues just 17 days before the event.