New Zealand needs to be competitive to continue attracting cruise ship seasons worth more than $365 million, according to the national voice in the sector.

Total visitor spending in New Zealand grew by 11 per cent to $7.1 billion in the past year, driven by strong growth from the United States, Germany and China.

Analysts appear to be satisfied with SkyCity Entertainment Group's performance, despite a drop in annual profit.

SKyCity has dramatically increased the scope of its planned Auckland convention centre, announcing plans for a five star hotel and a 50 per cent increase in spending on the project .

More than $2 million a year will be spent to almost double the economic spinoff from Auckland's business events sector to $430 million annually in the next decade.

Auckland aims to almost double the economic spinoff for the business events industry to $430 million industry by 2023.

Passengers aboard the biggest ship based in this region will be able to go surfing onboard.

Auckland can expect a boost of millions to the economy with a record number of cruise ships hitting our shores.

On the floor of a conference about conferences, there's excitement mixed with a measure of frustration.

Chris Roberts is no stranger to being in the firing line.

Kiwi music lovers could be in for more big name international acts under new visa laws due to come into force in November, a tourism body says.

A chain stretched across an entrance to the Hole in the Rock scenic marine attraction in the Bay of Islands has been removed after being deemed a navigational hazard.

Bus operator InterCity Group is launching overnight and day cruises from Auckland aboard a 44m vessel from September.

Chinese tourists are spending more time travelling overseas, with New Zealand in their top three "wanting to visit" destinations.

Britain is to build a commercial spaceport that will be used to launch manned missions and commercial satellites.

New Zealand's annual migration rose to its highest in more than a decade, gaining a net 36,400 migrants in the year through May.

Edward Gamson was looking forward to viewing the Moorish architecture of Granada. Instead, he was seated on a plane to Grenada. Now he's suing British Airways.

New Zealand recorded a $1.4 billion current account surplus in the March quarter, the largest ever.

This year's NRL Nines tournament has delivered a healthy $9.35 million back in to the Auckland economy - more than double the expected return.

New Zealanders are the lousiest tippers when travelling overseas according to a global survey by travel firm Expedia.

Car rental companies and airlines could do more to advise tourists about driving in New Zealand, say a visiting American couple.

The uncle of an Australian tourist who died after falling from a quad bike has backed pursuing legal action against the adventure tour company, despite it going into liquidation.

A German tourist swam from Tauranga Harbour to Mount Maunganui after a night on the town.

Editorial: Not many tourism proposals deserve to fail on their artist's impression but the Fiordland monorail did.