29 Aug 2019

Smartphones overtake iSites, visitor info centres close

From Morning Report, 8:47 am on 29 August 2019

Easy internet access is putting the country's network of nearly 80 iSites under pressure and falling visitor numbers have forced several to close in recent years.

The network is overseen by Tourism New Zealand but the centres rely on funding from booking fees, retail sales and support from local government.

But despite more and more tourists are relying on their smartphones, iSite operators say the personal touch is still much in demand and should ensure they survive. Tourism reporter Tess Brunton reports.