Dunedin could yet be a winner, despite international tourism sailing into the "doldrums", Tourism Dunedin chairman Murray Walker says.
Mr Walker, speaking at yesterday's economic development committee meeting in Dunedin, said the global economic downturn could present opportunities for the city.
More New Zealanders could opt for domestic travel, while the decline in the value of the New Zealand dollar would make the country more attractive for Australians.
"There's always opportunities in down-times," he said.
"Domestic and Australian [markets] certainly offer real opportunities for us."
It was also important to continue long-term investment in promoting the country to other markets, including Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, he believed.
"We still do have to keep investing in the UK and other places," he said.
Tourism Dunedin chief executive Hamish Saxton agreed.
He said the $200 increase in departure tax for passengers flying from the United Kingdom to New Zealand - announced yesterday - was unlikely to have a big impact.
"We hope we won't be terribly affected by that. Our numbers should still be relatively good out of that market. If we can retain our market share we will be doing fine," Mr Saxton said.
"The UK is our second largest market, so it's very important to us."
